Neck Pain

Neck pain affects millions of people each day. In many cases, neck pain can be relieved by simple exercises or several over-the-counter medicines; however, chronic neck pain can lead to the inability to perform everyday tasks and can also hinder the ability to enjoy activities with friends or family members. The good news is that there are several ways to treat neck pain and there are also ways to prevent it from occurring.

Causes of Neck Pain

The causes of neck pain can be from several factors including medical conditions such as herniated or stiffened disks, certain types of diseases, trauma or injury. Many people experience neck pain due to muscle strains which may be caused by sitting in a certain position for an extended amount of time. For example, sitting hunched over a steering wheel or using the computer for long periods of time can overuse the neck muscles which may trigger these muscle strains.

Neck Pain Treatment

Treatment for neck pains that happen suddenly may include using a heating pad on the affected area. Apply the heating pad and leave on for about 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Ice packs may also be used and applied for about 10 minutes every few hours as well. Massaging the area of the neck where pain is felt may help to relieve the pain and encourage blood flow but do not continue if it causes even more pain or discomfort. Nonprescription creams, gels, or ointments may also be used to help ease the pain if needed.

Other Treatments and Prevention Techniques

Stretching may also help alleviate pain and prevent painful strains from occurring as well. The neck muscles should be used frequently to keep the muscles strong and to avoid stiffness. Exercising regularly and reducing stress and tension are good aids for recovery and prevention of neck pain. Smoking should be avoided as it decreases the body’s ability to repair damaged muscle tissues which may delay the healing process. Avoid any type of activity that relies on repeated and prolonged movements.

Neck pain generally only lasts for a few days up to a week. If pain persists longer than a week, a doctor should be seen to discuss possible alternative treatments. He or she may want to talk about therapy options that may be able to help the muscles heal and become less painful over time. Prescription medications may also be considered for those who suffer from chronic neck pain that cannot be relieved by therapy or over-the-counter medicines.