Neck Pain Treatment

Neck pain is a common complaint among patients, and there are several different causes and treatments to consider. Patients experiencing neck pain are encouraged to see their physicians for a diagnosis and treatment plan, and depending on the root cause of the pain, they may be referred to a clinic or physician that specializes in the treatment and management of pain. 

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The causes of neck pain can range from benign to serious. Sometimes neck pain may be caused by something as simple as sleeping with one’s head at an uncomfortable angle or failing to utilize ergonomic practices while working at a desk, driving, or otherwise performing an activity for a long period of time. In other cases, though, neck pain is the result of a more serious condition, including (but not limited to):

• Degenerative disc disease, which affects millions of Americans each year;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Cervical spondylosis, or age-related deterioration of the spinal discs in the neck;
• Spinal stenosis, or the gradual narrowing of the spaces between the bones and discs in the spine; and
• Various neck injuries, including everything from whiplash and herniated discs to a cervical radiculopathy, or “pinched nerve”. 

Various Treatments for Neck Pain

Doctors recommend treatments based on numerous variables, such as their patients’ overall health, age, condition, and the severity of the condition causing the neck pain. In some cases, treatment may involve nothing more than the application of ice or heat and taking some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, for a day or two. In still other cases, patients may need to have surgery to correct the issues causing their pain, especially in the event of degenerative disc disease, advanced osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis. 

For everything in between, and even for post-surgical treatment of neck pain, doctors may recommend one or more of the following options: 

• Ice and/or heat: Ice and heat are excellent ways to reduce swelling, which can in turn reduce pain. 
• Over the counter (OTC) medications: Things like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help to reduce swelling and block some of the sensation of pain, thereby providing further relief. 
• Prescription medications: For pain that is not adequately managed by OTC medications, doctors may prescribe things like muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, and narcotic (opioid) pain medications. 
• Physical rehabilitation: This is ideal for correcting posture, improving overall neck alignment, and strengthening the muscles in the neck, which can all provide pain relief over time. 
• TENS: TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, utilizes electrodes placed near painful areas that deliver very small electric impulses that can provide pain relief. 
• Short term immobilization: Soft collars that support the head and prevent movement can help relieve pressure for a time, but it should only be used according to a doctor’s orders. 
• Steroids: Corticosteroids injected near the nerves, sometimes mixed with lidocaine and other numbing agents, can relieve neck pain. 

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the country, and fortunately, there are several ways to treat this pain depending on its root cause.