Overview
Over many years, our necks are subjected to repeated stress and minor injury. These injuries may not cause pain at the time of injury. However, repeated injuries add up, and can eventually result in degeneration of the cervical spine, causing neck pain. Most neck pain is due to degenerative changes that occur in the neck. The overall condition of the cervical spine usually determines how fast you recover from an injury, and whether your neck pain will become a chronic problem.
Common Causes
Cervical pain can gave causes that aren’t due to underlying disease.Example include prolonged straining(looking up or down), sleeping in an uncomfortable position,stress, or wearing heavy necklaces.
Self Treatment
You can use one or more of these methods to help reduce neck pain:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat.
- Apply heat using warm showers, hot compresses, or a heating pad.
- To prevent injuring your skin, do not fall asleep with a heating pad or ice bag in place.
- Have a partner gently massage the sore or painful areas.
Seeking Medical Care
See a doctor immediately if you
- Experience pain after trauma or injury
- Have trouble walking
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