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What Should I Do if I Have Neck Pain?

Discovering the cause of neck pain can be difficult, as it may stem from a variety of conditions. You should pay close attention to any other symptoms that may develop, as this can help you determine the reason for your pain and what steps you should take to remedy it.

If your neck pain occurs suddenly after a fall, a car accident or sports injury, you should see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend that you initially treat symptoms such as stiffness, soreness, weakness, numbness, and difficulty moving your head by trying the following treatments. Take note of what makes your neck pain better or worse, as your doctor will use that information to properly diagnose your condition.

Treatments that Your Doctor May Recommend

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach – Stomach sleepers strain the muscles in the neck more than those who sleep on their side or back. Confirm that your pillow provides enough support for your head and neck, or invest in a neck pillow.
• Massage – Getting a massage will help loosen the muscles in your neck and may lessen symptoms.
• Cold and hot therapy – In the first two days of feeling pain, ice the area in 20-minute increments every few hours. This will help reduce inflammation. Thereafter, heat therapy in the form of heat packs or a warm bath may ease muscle tension.
• Check your posture – Maintain correct posture when sitting and standing to refrain from aggravating your neck pain.
• Stretch – Keep your muscles pliable by stretching before exercise or after sitting for long periods.
• Check your office setup – If you sit at a desk for the majority of the day, be sure your office chair is ergonomically designed. Your computer monitors should also be adjusted to reduce strain on your neck.
• Medication – Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms.

An Alternative

Simple treatments you can control yourself might resolve your neck pain. If they don’t, learn more about the alternatives offered at Laser Spine Institute. Our orthopedic experts perform safe and effective outpatient procedures. Contact us today and let Laser Spine Institute help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.