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What treatment is available for neck pain? Medication The most commonly recommended pain killer as the first treatment to try for neck is paracetamol. However often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen can also be used. There are also stronger pain killing drugs such as codeine or tramadol, these have an opiate base. Also if there are muscle spasms it is common to be given prescribed a short course of a muscle relaxant, such as diazepam. For more persistent neck pain:
However many of these drugs have a range of side effects - please refer to our disclaimer. Therapies to help with neck problems
Here at the Centre we have a range of therapies available which can help in the treatment of neck problems
Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and chiropractors and can offer manual treatments to treat neck problems. Such manipulation of the neck can sometimes be uncomfortable at the time, but often brings relief from pain quite quickly.[1] With the help of Osteopaths and physiotherapists, advice can be given with regard to your posture both at work and at home. Pain and stiffness can be caused by |
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- poor standing posture
- poorly developed ways in which we move, sit etc
- too soft a bed
- the wrong thickness of pillow
- poor posture at work –such as if your desk is too low, so that your head is bent forward for long periods, then the neck may be stretched and you may develop muscle pain.
Other forms of treatment available are:
Injections may be a long-acting local anaesthetic or a steroid preparation, and may be given into the small facet joints of the neck or sometimes into the narrow spaces where the nerves emerge from the spine. This is usually given in more long standing, chronic cases, when medication has not worked, but can be used in conjunction with therapies mentioned above.
Surgery is only rarely needed. It may be helpful if a nerve is pinched and is causing weakness or severe pain that won't go away.
Self- care techniques
Relaxation
Stress and tension can make neck pain worse. Relaxation techniques help reduce the tension in the muscles, making you feel more relaxed and feeling better about yourself.
Neck Stretching Exercises to improve mobility.
Also see our neck pain facts and causes of neck pain.
Please read our disclaimer.
References:
[1] Cost effectiveness of physiotherapy, manual therapy, and general practitioner care for neck pain. See BMJ for full trial outcome.