Top 5 Treatment Options for Neck Pain

Cervicalgia is another term for neck pain. The condition is common and typically not cause for concern. Neck pain can occur for various causes and is frequently treatable with simple lifestyle modifications.

For example, your muscles may be tense from sitting in poor posture for long periods at work. Neck pain can also be caused by a car accident or muscular strain from overextending yourself during exercise.

Other symptoms include:

• neck pain gets worse if you hold your head in one place
• tightness or spasms
• difficulty moving your head
• headaches

Although this illness can be a pain in the neck, there are numerous things you can do at home to alleviate it. Many persons with neck discomfort can notice significant improvements after just two to three weeks of at-home therapy.

1. Use OTC pain relievers

You can buy a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) pain treatments at your local drugstore. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a well-known medication. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) is yet another pain reliever with anti-inflammatory characteristics. Another alternative is naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Your neck pain may linger for some time, regardless of the pain treatment you use.

2. Stay moving

Staying in one position for an extended time may cause neck pain. You should aim to get up or move from a sitting or standing position every 30 minutes.

While you should rest for a few days following a neck injury, getting into a regular training routine may benefit you in the future. As a cardio workout, try walking or riding a stationary bike.

Working on your posture and practicing a variety of range of motion exercises are also viable solutions.

3. See a chiropractor

You've probably heard that seeing a chiropractor can help with a wide range of aches and pains. That is true. Chiropractic adjustments are directed at the spine. Chiropractors also treat this part of the body because the neck is also known as the cervical spine. All of the cracking you'll hear is the result of highly regulated forces acting on your joints.

Call ahead to inquire about pricing for neck pain relief. Chiropractic care is not covered by all insurance companies. Some offices provide sliding scale pricing based on your capacity to pay. It's important to understand that adjustments often only provide temporary relief, so you may need to visit multiple times to stay pain-free.

4. Take it easy

Did you know your head weighs approximately 12 pounds? That's a lot for your muscles and ligaments to support each day as you go about your daily routines. Your neck ache could be the result of overexertion.

Relaxation can assist with this ache. Take one to three days off from strenuous activity. Weight-bearing activities, such as jogging, hiking, tennis, and heavy lifting, should be avoided.

5. Look into acupuncture

Acupuncture is a popular alternative treatment for pain alleviation. It is done by putting tiny needles into various locations on your body. While research on acupuncture for neck discomfort has yielded mixed results, it may be worth a go. In fact, rather than trying it once or twice, consumers generally notice the finest outcomes after multiple acupuncture treatments.

Conclusion

If these home treatments do not help you in relieving your neck pain, contact your doctor. Remember that most patients see relief from their neck discomfort after two to three weeks of at-home treatment. Although most causes of cervicalgia are minor, certain major disorders, such as meningitis, maybe the cause.

Notify your doctor if you have numbness, loss of strength in your hands or arms, or shooting pain down your arm from your shoulder. These are symptoms of a more significant problem with your health that requires immediate attention.