Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 14:37

How is neck pain usually treated?

Although uncomfortable most neck pain isn't serious and will usually get better by itself without medical treatment. It's important to try and stay as active as possible. Bed rest is not usually necessary and may worsen your symptoms. If your pain is not better within a week it's a good idea to talk to your doctor

Drug Treatment For Neck Pain

• Over the counter products: While your pain settles you may get enough relief from regular doses of paracetomol or iboprofen.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories: If over the counter treatments do not provide enough relief your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac or naproxen.

• Steroid and local anaesthetic injections: These can help with pain from a prolapsed or herniated disc or facet joint arthritis.

Manipulative Treatments

Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist who can use various treatments to lessen pain, such as ice, ultrasound, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and muscle release techniques. What's more he or she will be able to teach you exercises to restore muscle function and strengthen your neck muscles.

Surgical Treatments

If all forms of pain relief or manipulative treatments have been tried then surgery may be necessary. In cases of spinal stenosis or prolapsed or herniated disc a surgeon can often remove the cause of the pain.

Pain Management Programmes

If despite all treatments the pain persists you may be referred to a pain management programme. Usually run as outpatient group sessions these involve a team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists to give advice and information about exercises, coping strategies, pacing of activities and medication.

Self Help Measures For Neck Pain

As well as following the advice of your doctor there are some things you can do yourself to help relieve the pain. Then it is a good idea to learn how to prevent future occurrences, by stretching, strengthening, improving posture etc.

• Rest: It may help to spend a few days resting but it is not a good idea to send too long in bed. Try t get back to normal activities and work as soon as possible.

• Gentle stretching: For neck pain gently move your head to one side and hold for 30 seconds. Then move to the other side. Stretch your neck in as many directions as the pain allows.

• Sleep correctly: You spend a third of your life sleeping and if you sleep in an uncomfortable or awkward position - for example hugging you pillow or sleeping on your front - you can be putting a lot of strain on your neck every single day. Try to train yourself to sleep on your side rather than your front. Choose a supportive mattress and pillow. Change these if you consistently wake up with back or neck pain.

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