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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 feel better 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.
If you have severe muscle pain and loss of motion, treatment should
also 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. Aspirin should
not be given to children under the age of 18. This is due to the risk
of Reyes Syndrome.
Exercises for flexibility, strength, and stability should be started
when the severe pain and spasm symptoms have ended. Preventive care
can now begin.
Most muscle-related neck pain will go away and not come back if these
changes are made. 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.
Remember, if you have flu like symptoms along with a stiff painful neck,
and difficulty bending your head forward, call your healthcare provider
immediately.
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