Neck pain is a common affliction that can require extensive rehabilitation, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Your doctor is likely to recommend a variety of interventions to help control the pain, fix the problem and prevent recurring issues. Follow her advice closely and follow up if the pain doesn't go away or increases.
Physical Therapy
A study published in "Spine" in 2009 suggests that physical therapy, including range-of-motion and strengthening exercises that target the neck and shoulder muscles, may help alleviate neck pain. Move your head backward, forward and from side to side slowly to stretch the muscles surrounding your neck. Place your hands at various locations around your head and press your head into them for five to 10 seconds at a time to strengthen your neck muscles. Squeezing your shoulder blades together for the same amount of time while lying face down or standing upright may also help.
Therapeutic Modalities
Therapeutic modalities such as cold treatments, hot treatments and soft-tissue massage may also help ease neck pain. Applying an ice pack to the painful area intermittently is appropriate for the first 24 to 72 hours immediately after suffering a neck injury to decrease localized inflammation. Thereafter, you should use hot packs to stimulate blood flow to the affected area, which aids in the healing process. Soft-tissue massage and other interventions may also help -- including electrotherapy, manipulations or ultrasound therapy -- but consult your doctor before having a professional perform these techniques.
Drug Therapy
Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help treat your neck pain. A review article published in, "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America" in 2003 suggests that taking such medications is a key part of a comprehensive treatment plan for the condition. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications if they're warranted. Take any drug only as directed -- avoid medications containing ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction.
Considerations
The cause of your neck pain determines the appropriate course of action, so visit your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis before beginning a treatment program. He's likely to prescribe a combination of the aforementioned treatment options. He may refer you to other specialists as well, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist or surgeon. Surgical repair may be necessary if you suffer from persistent, severe neck pain or structural abnormalities.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Neck Pain; February 2010
- "ACP PIER & AHFS DI® Essentials"; Neck Pain; Simon Huang and Ian Tsang; 2009
- "Spine"; Neck/Shoulder Exercise for Neck Pain in Air Force Helicopter Pilots; Bjorn Ang, et. al.; 2009
- "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management"; William E. Prentice and Daniel Arnheim; 2008
- "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America"; Pharmacologic Therapies for Neck Pain; A. Nemat and S.M. Richeimer; August 2003
