Along with back pain, neck pain is one of the most common conditions which many people suffer from. Fortunately, most patients who suffer from acute neck pain often recover rapidly without needing to undergo invasive procedures. But what can you do to facilitate faster recovery from neck pain? Here are a few tips on neck pain care NYC residents can follow.
You may have heard about administering ice and heat packs on the affected area, but which is better? In general, the affected area should be iced for the initial 48 hours. Ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation while also acting as an anesthetic. But after 48 hours, the use of ice loses its efficacy. Heat is then used instead of ice in order to promote blood flow to the affected area and minimize muscle spasms.
When a body part is injured or irritated, the body’s normal response is inflammation. To minimize inflammation and pain as well as to facilitate quick recovery, the use of over-the-counter drugs is often recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin can reduce both inflammation and pain. However, these medications should only be used for the short term — no longer than a week — as these can cause stomach problems.
Many patients find great relief after a session of gentle massage. And apart from pain relief, massage facilitates the flow of blood to the affected areas, thus promoting faster healing.
In most circumstances, patients bounce back from neck pain through self-care and avoidance of activities which put undue stress on the affected area. However, if you still suffer from severe pain and stiffness after a day or two, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a professional. On the other hand, if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness, pain or tingling in the arms, you should immediately visit a medical professional and forgo these self-care tips; ditto if your neck pain is caused by an accident or a trauma.
Upon visiting a professional for the treatment of your neck pain, your specialist will offer you lifestyle modifications that will allow you to better cope with your neck pain and restore a measure of normalcy to your daily life. It is also worthwhile to inquire about what you can do to prevent this condition from re-occurring. Your specialist may provide you information with regards to how proper posture, sleeping positions and exercises can help keep neck pain and injury at bay in the future.
