1. Understand Acute Pain Treatment
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than the expected amount of time for an injury to heal, which varies depending on the main cause of your neck pain. However, this does not mean that you cannot seek treatment in the acute phase. Most acute neck pain treatments work to minimize the cause of the pain in an effort to clear up the symptoms. Once you reach the chronic pain state, that focus shifts.
2. Know the Doctor Will Try Conservative Measures First
Conservative measures for treating chronic neck pain treatment include medication for pain relief or anti-inflammatories, as directed by your doctor. She may prescribe over-the-counter medication, or she may write a prescription. Ice may also be used if swelling is one of the underlying causes of your pain. Alternatively, heat may be indicated if the pain is caused by tissue shortening or muscle spasms. Some doctors recommend alternating the use of heat and cold to treat chronic neck pain. Other conservative treatments include rest, and gentle stretching.
3. Keep in Mind Most Cases Do Not Lead to Surgery
If do-it-yourself measures do not relieve your pain, surgery is not necessarily the next step. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, who can provide more advanced treatments such as neck traction, where the neck is stretched and immobilized; TENS, which is a low-current electrical stimulation designed to reduce pain; or soft tissue mobilization, where knots and tight muscles are worked out. Alternatively, your doctor may order a neck brace for support during daily tasks, or she may perform steroid injections such as cortisone to decrease localized pain. In general, surgery is intended for those with severe neurological involvement as a last resort. Some individuals swear by acupuncture, though there is some debate over its effectiveness in treating chronic neck pain.
4. Exercise Regularly
If your doctor or physical therapist has prescribed exercises for your chronic neck pain, you are advised to do them no matter how inconvenient it may be. Exercise helps elongate and strengthen muscles and decreases the risk of spasms or shortening, both of which can lead to a pain relapse. Find a time when you can perform your exercises uninterrupted, or do them when you are sitting idly, such as when watching TV.
5. If Left Untreated, Chronic Neck Pain Can Lead to Other Issues
Chronic neck pain can result from many conditions. Even minor conditions such as neck and shoulder tightness can make tissues more prone to tears and strains. Neck pain that is caused by damaged discs or vertebrae can lead to nerve damage if left untreated. Also, abnormal guarding postures can cause pain and discomfort to spread to other areas of the body, including the head, shoulders and back. If you have neck pain that has lasted for more than a few weeks, you should consult your doctor.
