Neck pain treatment

Pay attention to neck pain and stiffness. If the pain is from a muscle strain, changes in how you do things can prevent significant injury and help you control the symptoms of pain and stiffness. Simple stretching and careful consideration of your posture during activity are easy to do.

To prevent neck muscle strain and protect against injury:

• Take frequent breaks for a few seconds every hour from what you are doing to change position. Stretch and move stiff areas of your neck and shoulders.

• Keep heavy loads and things you lift close to you while lifting them.

• Lift with your legs instead of your back.

• Avoid reaching overhead with your arms and too far from your body.

• Avoid moving your neck up or down a lot.

Most muscle-related neck pain will go away and not come back if these precautions are followed. Exercises for flexibility, strength, and stability should be started after severe pain and muscle spasm symptoms end. Conditions, such as arthritis, nerve or disk problems, lymph node inflammation, or bone disorders, require the assistance of a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider can help to identify the causes of the problem, and design a personal treatment plan.

If you have flu-like symptoms along with a stiff painful neck and difficulty bending your head forward, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Self-care for neck pain: If you have severe muscle pain and loss of motion in your neck, self-care should include a few simple techniques to assist with controlling these symptoms and hasten recovery:

• Apply ice, a cold pack, or even a small bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, placed in a light towel, to the sore area for 10-15 minutes every few hours. This will decrease inflammation and cramping.

• Use heat or cold to help stop muscle spasms, whichever one gives you the most relief. Alternating heat and cold may help.

• Rest your neck by wearing a soft, supportive collar or small towel rolled and placed under the chin. Do this for relief of muscle pain and loss of motion. Take care to preserve the normal curve of the neck when wearing a support.

• Move the head often and gently in all directions, as long as the movement is not forced. Movement is important for healing.

• Massage the area gently.

• Take anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen as directed and approved by your healthcare provider.

Medication Cautions:

1. Do NOT give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or aspirin-containing products to anyone age 18 years or younger because of the risk of a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.
   
2. Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.
   
3. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation. Do NOT give NSAIDs to anyone with asthma or increased risk of bleeding (such as, ulcer disease, following surgery, significant trauma, major dental work, if taking blood thinners [anticoagulants] or have a known bleeding disorder).

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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