The global pandemic brought with it a culture of working from home. However, operating from the kitchen table or sofa brought with it a lot of problems. Do you know just how much this increased the prevalence of back and neck pain?
Once neck pain sets in, it can be hard to cure. Read on as we discuss the ten best methods of neck pain treatment.
1. Rest
The importance of rest should never be overlooked when it comes to neck pain treatments. Our neck has the job of supporting the head and is an important neural pathway. It does this all day, every day, so giving it a rest once in a while is sure to help it recover.
Even when sitting and relaxing, make sure you have adequate support to take the strain. If you are sleeping, think about having the right cushion and pillows so the neck is not twisted during sleep. Finally, make sure you are not overdoing it by taking part in physical activities.
2. Improving the Posture
Improving posture is arguably one of the best treatments for neck pain, though one of the hardest to implement. It involves changing how you sit and stand during day-to-day activities. This should relieve the neck of much of the strain it can be under.
This posture often comes from how you are seated, particularly if you are sitting for long periods each day. Slouching places excess strain on the upper back and neck. To improve, consider changing the seating, being aware of how you sit and strengthening the buttocks and core.
3. Heat & Ice
Heat and ice are great for any pain, though people often get confused about using them. They can both be used but at different stages of the process.
Ice is excellent for decreasing inflammation. If you have had an injury, this will bring down swelling within the first two days. After forty-eight hours, switch to heat.
Heat works by increasing the blood flow to an impacted area. This brings it the nutrients it needs to heal. For ongoing neck pain, heat is always the best way to go.
4. With Specialist Assistance
Unless you have had a particular injury, diagnosing the cause of neck pain yourself can be challenging. The posture may be wrong, but you may not know what the correct position is. Alternatively, it could be something inside your back or neck causing the problem.
That is why it always helps to discuss chronic neck pain treatment with an expert. They may offer a range of solutions, from medicines to physical therapy and even surgery. Neurosurgeryone.com is a trustworthy, reliable company that can assist anyone in the Denver area.
5. Anti Inflammatory Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often available over the counter. They will work by reducing the inflammation in your neck. They include common medicines like Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
There are also prescription-level drugs your doctor may prescribe. However, it is worth noting that neither prescription nor over-the-counter anti-inflammatories will solve the problem. Instead, they will simply help you deal with the pain in your neck.
6. Surgery
Surgery as a treatment for neck pain is rare, but there are times it is required. In most instances, a doctor will prescribe a long course of non-surgical treatment before discussing surgery. Disc compression, herniation, muscle weakness, and balance problems are instances where this may be an option.
7. Acupuncture
Many people believe that acupuncture is an alternative therapy that can help with neck pain. Some studies have suggested that any musculoskeletal pain can be relieved for around six months with acupuncture.
This is done by placing tiny needles into the skin to stimulate the nervous system. This then releases chemicals into the muscles and brain, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
8. Chiropractic Therapy
A quality chiropractor helps realign the muscles and joints in your body to better aid movement and posture. With neck pain, chiropractors will concentrate on the cervical capsule and its facets joints. By incorporating deep tissue manipulation and low-velocity signal manipulation, your body will adjust to its natural state, resulting in less pain or none at all.
9. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the best treatments to help you return to normal in the quickest time possible. It also does this while helping to prevent a reoccurrence of the same injury. It may also be combined with ultrasound, heat, traction, and diathermy.
Physical therapy itself involves showing you a range of techniques to exercise and strengthen. It may include stretching the neck, arms, and abdominal muscles correctly. In some cases, you may even be shown techniques regarding your posture and even how to lift items correctly.
10. MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) may not be a cure, but it can help diagnose the problem. It will allow doctors to see the intricate goings-on inside your neck. It will show the discs, capsules, and structures that do not register in a standard X-Ray or CT scan.
An MRI will need to be booked in by a specialist. You should consider it if the pain increases or moves into your shoulders, back, or arms. Any numbing of the limbs will also require a scan.
Neck Pain Treatment
Start with some rest and work on improving your posture. If this does not help, then speak to an expert about neck pain treatment. They will give you the best advice on one of the courses above to take next.
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