Treating Neck Pain The Right Way
Neck pain is an all-too-common problem that can range from mildly irritating to downright debilitating. Whether it's caused by sitting at your desk all day or a more serious underlying condition, any kind of neck pain can be difficult to deal with.
But don't worry — there are plenty of options when it comes to treating neck pain. Take a look at some of the most popular methods for managing this issue.
Physical Therapy for Neck Pain
Physical therapy is often used to treat neck pain and related symptoms. It can be used to strengthen the neck muscles, improve the range of motion and flexibility, reduce inflammation, and relieve tension.
During physical therapy, a trained professional will work with you to identify the source of your problem and create an individualized plan for treatment. This may include exercises designed to improve mobility and flexibility in your neck as well as strengthening exercises for the muscles in your upper body.
Additionally, therapeutic massages can help relieve tension in muscles and joints that may have been contributing to your pain. These massages utilize special techniques such as trigger-point therapy and myofascial release to help reduce pain and improve function.
Trigger-point therapy specifically targets knots in the neck muscles that can contribute to pain. Myofascial release works to restore balance to the connective tissue in and around your neck, as well as improve mobility.
Medications for Neck Pain
If your neck pain is more severe or persistent, medications may be prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and reduce mild pain levels while prescription medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce more intense pain.
Muscle relaxers are also sometimes prescribed –– these work on the muscles in the neck and shoulders to reduce spasms and alleviate tension. Note that medications should only ever be taken under the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Otherwise, they could do more harm than good if taken in the wrong dosage or for the wrong condition.
No matter what type of neck pain you're dealing with — whether it's mild or severe — there are plenty of options available for treating it safely. Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen your muscles and improve mobility, while medications can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Ultimately, finding relief from neck pain depends on understanding its cause so you can determine which treatment option best suits your needs. So if you've been dealing with a nagging discomfort in your neck area, don't wait any longer — seek professional help today.
For more information about neck pain treatment, contact a doctor.