Most of the time when you experience neck pain, it is a simple and treatable situation. Sleeping awkwardly or driving for long periods of time can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. If you have minor neck pain, you can most likely treat it at home with a few basic techniques.
Ice is your friend in all sorts of minor sprains and strains. Heat should be avoided for the first week since because it will only increase the inflammation in your injured tissues. Apply your ice for about 20-25 minutes several times a day. The ice should be covered in a light towel or cloth to prevent frostbite-type injuries.
Resting the injured area is also important. For the first couple of days avoid using the sore area as much as possible. Gentle stretching is fine, but don't stretch to the point where you feel pain. Pain is your body's way of telling you not to do something; listen to it.
If possible, keep your neck elevated when sleeping. Prop your body up on pillows and try to sleep without turning your neck in strange ways. Your neck will let you know if you are in an inadvisable position. Taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve some of the inflammation and pain.
If a week has passed and you haven't had a significant reduction in the symptoms, then it is time to go see your doctor. You will likely be put through a series of manual maneuvers to test your range of motion. You will be assessed for any nerve involvement and numbness or loss of function in your arms. If your doctor is sufficiently concerned, he will send you for some imaging tests like a CAT scan or an MRI, both of which can show soft tissue injuries.
Depending upon the results of your tests, your doctor may choose to send you for physical therapy, immobilize your neck, or follow up with additional tests. There are a number of sources for neck pain, and some are more serious than others are. Rest assured that any competent doctor will want to rule out any possibilities that seem likely or more dangerous before determining a course of action.
One of the reasons your doctor may choose a more conservative path in treating your neck pain is that there is a remarkable increase in the amount of money being spent on treating neck and back pain of late. People come in requesting specific medications they see on television, or they want more complex treatment options even when they aren't needed. The truth is, though, that more complicated procedures and stronger drugs are just not necessary most of the time. Surgery, which really should only be considered a last resort, is on the rise as well, and doesn't seem to correlate to any reduction in recurrence.
Given time and simple treatment, nearly all minor neck injuries will heal with basic remedies. Ice, rest, and OTC analgesics are usually all that is needed. Let your doctor guide you to proper treatment for other, more serious conditions.
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