Neck pain can arise due to a variety of causes, including overuse of the muscles, nerve compression, and even diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Because it can result from such a range of sources, there are several tests that can be used to find the underlying condition. Depending on the symptoms you present, your doctor may order imaging tests such as MRIs, X-rays, or CT scans to get a better picture of the problem area. In the case of a suspected pinched nerve, the doctor might suggest nerve testing, and lab tests like blood tests or even spinal taps could be recommended if the doctor thinks your neck pain is due to an infectious condition.
Once results from the tests are back, you and your health care provider can make an informed decision on your care. Most types of neck pain can be treated effectively at home, when done with the proper care and precautions. You may take over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, or a doctor might prescribe you stronger medications to dull the ache. Muscle relaxants can also be useful in relieving your neck pain. In addition to medication, there are other remedies to try at home, including the application of heat and/or cold to the affected area. The heat from a warm shower or heating pad can help you relax those tense muscles, and the cold from an ice pack can help quell any inflammation and numb pain. There are a few precautions, however: Be careful not to treat an area with ice for longer than 20 minutes at a time, and take note that heat will sometimes exacerbate inflammation.
The simplest way to treat your neck pain might be simply getting some rest. By giving your neck a break from the strain of holding your head up, you can often relieve some of your discomfort, but be sure not to rest too long. Your neck muscles can become stiff after extended periods of inactivity.
Your doctor may also recommend some physical therapy that involves neck exercises and stretching. You'll likely need to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist to learn and practice these techniques, but they can be performed at home after that. By moving your muscles more, you can restore or improve muscle function and increase your muscles' endurance. Simply being more cognizant of your neck's posture can help prevent strain. Other physical training could include short-term immobilization, which involves using a collar to support your neck and take some of the strain off your muscles. While this technique is excellent for resting sore muscles, it is only used to be used for brief periods at a time because immobilizing the neck for more than two weeks can weaken muscles further.
If these avenues don't produce the desired results, or the neck pain is severe, surgery may be a viable route for you. Surgery is often only considered in cases of nerve root pain and spinal cord compression, and can include endoscopic procedures as well as more invasive techniques. Endoscopic procedures aren't as drastic as other options, and are therefore a popular choice for patients. By creating a small incision in the neck and inserting a series of tubes into the incision, a surgeon can visualize the affected area, and then use a combination of small surgical tools and lasers to eliminate neural compression.
Whether you think your neck pain is related to hunching over your desk at work or due to a chronic disease, consult your health care provider to select the course of action that best meets your needs.
