Neck pain is a prevalent issue affecting two-thirds of the global population. Another limitation is that it is not limited to the neck, extending to the arms, chest, and shoulders. While neck pain may start as a minor issue, it can worsen if left unaddressed. Therefore, it’s essential to address stiffness and neck pain to prevent further worsening.

Moreover, research shows that neck and back pain go hand-in-hand, jeopardizing the patient’s health. A qualified healthcare professional will ensure the diagnosis of the root cause of the pain and formulate an individualized neck pain treatment to get rid of it. Keep reading to know about symptoms, causes, and treatment for neck pain for effective management. 

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition characterized by a dull ache. However, the symptoms would greatly differ in description among people based on the underlying cause. 

Limited neck flexibility renders the joint vulnerable to injuries. That said, below are the common causes of neck pain. 

• Muscle Strain and Tension

Individuals who hunch over computers and smartphones with poor posture for a long time can suffer muscle strain and cause neck pain. The condition is also caused due to repetitive activity or sleeping awkwardly, causing painful consequences.

• Injury and Trauma

The neck is the sensitive region of your body. Hence, high-impact falls and activities can cause unrelenting neck pain. 

Many accidents result in rear-end collisions, which can cause whiplash injuries. This type of injury occurs when the head is suddenly forced to jerk backward and then forwards, leading to strains and severe pain in the muscles of the neck tissues.

• Degenerative Conditions

Studies show that the vertebrae experience degeneration with age. The wear and tear in the joints induce the formation of bone spurs to adapt to the new degenerative condition. It can ultimately affect the range of motion and causes pain and inflammation.

• Other Health Conditions

Various medical conditions, including arthritis, spondylosis, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis, can cause neck pain. Osteoarthritis, which is a joint disorder, can lead to the formation of bone spurs that compress the nerves of the spinal cord, leading to stiffness and pain.

Effective Strategies for Managing Neck Pain

Neck pain can hinder even the simple things in your life. It can indicate the onset of serious problems, resulting in decreased productivity and efficiency. Therefore it’s essential to address the problem early by implementing one or a combination of the following therapies. Here are some effective strategies for better and long-lasting neck pain management.

Home Remedies

• Rest

Take a few days’ rest and avoid engaging in sports or other high-impact activities like lifting heavy weights that will aggravate the symptoms any further. Then, you can resume your daily activities as the symptoms ease. 

• Cold and Hot Therapy

Apply ice packs on the painful area to reduce inflammation and relieve neck pain quickly. Then follow the procedure with hot therapy using heating pads to stimulate blood circulation and relax stiff neck muscles. Alternative therapies for about 20 minutes many times a day can also help you achieve the best results. 

• Stretching Exercises

One of the best ways to treat neck pain is to strengthen your muscles and ensure spine flexibility by following a regular exercise regime for at least 30 minutes daily. The exercise program is personalized according to the individual’s health condition and severity.

• Proper Posture and Ergonomics

Maintaining a healthy posture and movements can reduce the chronic neck pain caused due to poor ergonomics or body mechanics. Take at least 10-15 minutes of break every hour by standing up, changing position, and stretching your neck muscles to prevent further damage.

• Massage Therapy

The therapy involves long and gentle strokes followed by a kneading motion that will combat the strains in the neck muscles. It also increases blood circulation and eases the pain proactively. 

• Over-the-Counter Medications

Minor neck pain can be relieved after a day by taking over-the-counter pain-relieving drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen reduce swelling and decrease discomfort. You can also take acetaminophen or naproxen for effective pain relief. 

Professional Treatment

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Physical therapy is a common yet effective professional treatment for acute and chronic neck pain. The primary focus of the therapy is to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons in the neck region. 

• Chiropractic care

The chiropractic technique is a safe and effective treatment for neck pain. A qualified chiropractor will analyse your condition and formulate a holistic plan to correct joint misalignments and improve the overall functionality of the neck and upper back. 

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another effective treatment for neck pain that has been in practice for thousands of years in ancient medicine. During the approach, the certified specialist will insert sterile needles into the particular pressure points in your body to relieve pain and discomfort. 

• Prescription Medications

Physicians will prescribe pain medications like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the inflammation and stiffness in the heck area. They might also suggest muscle relaxant medication to support the healing process or antibiotics to treat the infection, if any. 

• Injections and Nerve Blocks

Injections are another alternative professional treatment for neck pain that includes minimally invasive procedures. The therapy includes occipital nerve block, facet joints, or epidural injections. Moreover, radio frequency ablation of the occipital nerve and facet joints can give long-lasting relief in patients. 

• Surgery

Most patients respond well to conservation and non-invasive treatment for neck pain. In rare cases, individuals suffering from neck trauma from accidents should opt for surgery to avoid the risk of paralysis. 

Conclusion

Sometimes, moving your head might not feel right. It could be because you slept on the wrong pillow or hunched too long. Such a condition is not severe and can resolve independently within a few days. 

However, the reason behind the neck pain could be mysterious in certain cases. If you are experiencing severe neck pain, it is extremely necessary to seek medical assistance immediately. 

There is no shortcut to relieve neck pain. Besides undergoing proper treatment, implementing certain lifestyle changes like a proper exercise regimen and good posture will aid you in eradicating the pain and leading an active, healthy life for the long term.