Back and Neck Injury Symptoms: A Few Ways to Alleviate Neck Pain

A Few Ways to Alleviate Neck Pain

Majority of  neck pain is caused by a strain and can be treated without surgery. Your doctor will suggest steps to help you deal with the pain and help you heal. You may be asked to wear a cervical collar to limit neck movement and support your head. Short term bed rest also allows you to rest your neck muscles.

Cervical traction is a more serious treatment option. This form of traction gently pulls the head and stretches the neck muscles. It provides temporary relief by keeping the neck immobilized. A portable cervical traction device can be used at your home or office.

Depending on the cause of your neck pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil™) may help reduce the discomfort, and sometimes a short-term use of narcotic painkillers is necessary. Muscle relaxants can also help by stopping muscle spasms. In more extreme cases, trigger point injections are a good option. (Trigger points are knots of muscle under the skin that form when muscles do not relax.) The injection contains a local painkiller that sometimes includes a corticosteroid.

Often physical therapy is part of your treatment plan. Passive treatments such as cold or heat, deep tissue massage, and ultrasound often help alleviate pain and stiffness. Specific exercises help build strength and increase your range of motion. Physical therapists also teach you about your condition, correcting your posture, and relaxation techniques. Overall, physical therapy helps to reduce muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and promote healing.

Also, chiropractic care is a good alternative for many neck injuries. The most common procedure chiropractors perform is spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment). This can restore mobility and the alignment of your spine.

In four to six weeks, the majority of patients with neck pain improve without surgery. Be optimistic about your treatment plan and remember that less than 5% of problems require surgery.

Non-surgical treatments deal with neck pain, but they may not eliminate the cause of the pain. Cervical spine surgery can be necessary for a variety of cervical spine problems. Generally, surgery is performed for degenerative disc disorders, trauma, or instability. These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerves coming from the spine.

The goal of cervical spine surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function, and stop or prevent abnormal motion in the spine. The surgeon removes all or part of the damaged disc in a process called a discectomy. After the discectomy, your doctor may need to permanently stabilize the area. This happens with spinal fusion (using bone grafts) or spinal instrumentation (using hardware like rods and screws) that help to permanently join two or more vertebrae together. When the vertebrae have been surgically stabilized, abnormal motion is stopped and function is restored to the spinal nerves.

As with any operation, there are risks involved with cervical spine surgery. Possible complications include injury to your spinal cord, nerves, esophagus, carotid artery or vocal cords; non-healing of the bony fusion; failure to improve; instrumentation breakage/failure; infection; and/or bone graft site pain. Any of these complications may lead to more surgery. Other complications may include phlebitis in your legs, blood clots in the lungs, or urinary problems. Rare complications include paralysis and possibly death. Your doctor will discuss potential risks with you before asking you to sign a surgical consent form.

To recover and remain pain-free, follow the treatment plan your doctor has outlined. Make sure you have regular check-ups, and tell you doctor if you are not getting better. The challenges associated with aging are inevitable, but everyday choices can help prevent neck pain.

Future neck problems can be prevented with these simple measures:

• Reduce your stress and tension
• Sit and stand properly
• Exercise both your neck and body regularly (aerobic exercise is especially good)
• Attain and maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking
• Eat healthy and get enough calcium
• Lift heavy items safely
• Wear a seat belt
• Use proper sports equipment

Taking care of your neck is a lifetime endeavor. Lifestyle changes are the best road to wellness. So “stick your neck out” and take time to learn, adjust to, and adopt habits that will help preserve your neck and spine for years to come.

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