Neck Pain: 8 Top Treatment & Causes

By Med-Fit Content Team . Last Updated Wednesday, 12th April 2023

8 Top Treatment Options for Neck Pain

Computers and smartphones mostly govern our life. In no time soon we will become complete slaves of the gadgets. The reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the ratio of people experiencing severe neck pain has been increasing in recent times.

Due to poor postures at work, it is likely the neck muscles, and joints might rupture. According to a study by NIH (National Institute of Health), neck pain may impact the emotional and psychological state of a person.

Neck pain in any form can distract you throughout the day and can even impact your work performance. It can also limit the ability to focus on your work. Today, several treatments can cure mild or severe neck pains.

Some are:

Simple Rest
Daily Exercises
Massage
TENS Machines - Pain Relief
Acupuncture and Many More.

Choose your treatment wisely considering all the benefits, side-effects, and your budget.

Causes of Neck Pain:

Poor Posture:
Neck pain often arises due to inadequate posture, which is a prevalent issue. With the majority of our day consumed by device usage, a significant number of individuals, approximately 79% within the 18 to 44 age group, regularly engage with smartphones and other devices for extended periods, with minimal breaks of around 2 hours.
However, the solution to this problem lies in adopting a proper posture. Though it may initially demand conscious effort for a brief period, once you embrace it, you will begin to witness positive outcomes. A posture corrector could assist with helping improve your posture.
Soft Tissue Injury:
The ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the neck and shoulders are highly susceptible to injuries caused by incidents like whiplash. The severity of these injuries can determine whether they manifest as acute or chronic conditions.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/Radiculopathy:
Engaging in excessive physical activity can lead to discomfort, irritation, or tingling sensations. It is strongly recommended to seek medical advice and consider undergoing physical therapy.
Fractures:
A fall or car accident can result in a broken neck, causing fractures in the seven cervical vertebrae. In more severe cases, the neck muscles may also sustain damage or tearing. The first step is to consult a physician who will likely recommend an X-ray of the neck.
Treatment typically involves wearing a cervical brace for a period ranging from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on the advice of the healthcare professional. Subsequently, physical therapy may be recommended to facilitate a complete recovery.
Consider exploring the following treatment options for various types of neck pain. It is important to carefully assess these options in order to choose a treatment that is effective, safe, and convenient, allowing you to alleviate your neck pain.

What is the best treatment for Neck Pain?:

Neck Exercise & Stretching: Incorporating exercises into your routine can have positive effects on muscle strength and the treatment of neck pain. The neck consists of a intricate network of muscles interconnected by neural pathways.

Therefore, engaging in stretching exercises can help alleviate muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and provide relief from neck pain.
Electronic Pain Relief (TENS Unit): The Tens Machine is a highly effective treatment option for individuals experiencing severe neck pain. By delivering electrical stimulation, it effectively disrupts the pain signals, providing instant relief.

Moreover, certain units are specifically designed to address not only neck pain but also shoulder and back pain, offering a versatile solution for multiple areas of discomfort.
Adjustment of Postures and Sleep Positions: The way you sleep and your posture during sleep can often contribute to neck pain. It is advisable to experiment with different sleeping positions and consider using a pillow that provides ample support and proper alignment for your neck.

If you frequently experience chronic neck pain upon waking up in the morning, it is possible that an improper sleep position may be a contributing factor.
Light Therapy: This type of therapy utilizes light effectively as a healing modality. By triggering intricate biochemical responses within the body, it promotes the healing of damaged tissues.

Sports medicine specialists and physiotherapists often employ this treatment method using LEDs and laser lights to effectively address both chronic and acute muscular injuries.
Pain Relievers: When seeking immediate relief from neck pain, pain relievers can serve as a viable option. Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and others are available to address this discomfort.

It is important to note, though, that these medications may only provide temporary relief and might not be suitable for severe cases of neck pain. Before taking any over-the-counter or narcotic pain relievers, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or therapist to ensure their appropriateness for your specific situation.
Cervical Traction: The following exercise is a commonly recommended neck stretch performed by body workers and osteopaths. It involves traction, which helps decompress the vertebrae and provides a relieving sensation from neck pain.

The great news is that you can easily find instructional videos online and practice this exercise at home. Additionally, there are various gadgets available that can assist you in performing this stretch effectively. We also have a Cervical Traction device available.
Ergonomics: Neck pain can often result from incorrect sleeping positions and poor work postures. If you work in an office setting, it is important to ensure your computer monitors are positioned at eye level using a stand or adjustable setup. This helps maintain proper alignment and posture while working, reducing the risk of neck pain.
Myofascial Release: Regular neck massages can be highly advantageous in alleviating stiffness, reducing pain, and improving mobility. One convenient option for home use is the Neck-Track, which allows you to administer self-massage anytime you need it. Treating neck issues promptly can help prevent more severe injuries from developing.

Little added bonus, a neck massager can also help some people - more of a personal preference option, but it gives a strong massage to help relieve muscles in your upper back and neck.

You can try some of these simple remedies for minor neck pain:

Taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can always be an option.
Get some ice and apply it over the painful area. Continue to do so for a period of 2 to 5 days.
Take your heating pad or take hot showers or compresses. To avoid any kind of skin injuries, make sure you do not fall asleep with the ice bag or the heating pad.
Do light exercises. This helps in stretching the neck muscles gently.
Try getting a gentle massage over the painful areas.
Avoid jerks or any painful activities. Keep moving since it helps to reduce the inflammation and calm symptoms effectively.
Try sleeping on a solid mattress with a special neck pillow or without as per your choice.
Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider about using a soft neck collar. This helps in relieving discomfort. Also, it is recommended not to use it for a longer period of time as it can weaken the neck muscles.

By Paul Warburton . Last Updated Friday, 17th September 2021

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