Neck pain is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. In most cases, home treatments like ice packs, pain relievers, and neck stretching will ease your discomfort within a few days. But if your neck pain lasts longer than that, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Seek treatment promptly to avoid long-term problems.
Injuries to the bones and neck pain relief in the neck, also known as the cervical spine, are the most common cause of neck pain. But poor posture and sleeping in awkward positions can also strain neck muscles. If you work at a desk, try to position your monitor at eye level and take frequent breaks to stretch and move around. Try to sleep on your back rather than on your stomach. And use a neck support pillow to improve the alignment of your head and neck.
Neck Pain Relief Without Medication: How a Chiropractor Can Help
- A physical exam can provide important clues to the source of your neck pain. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your past neck injuries, how the pain feels and when it started, and whether certain activities — like reading, watching TV or using a computer — make the pain worse. They will also feel your neck and supporting muscles to check for tenderness and a limited range of motion. They may also order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computed tomography (CT) scan of your neck, depending on their assessment of the injury.