After your consultation with a healthcare professional about your neck pain, he will prescribe some medicines to help ease the pain and facilitate faster recovery.
But apart from prescribing medicines, your healthcare professional can provide you tips for neck pain care NYC residents can follow these to help improve their condition.
Medications for Neck Pain
Medications help reduce both pain and inflammation, allowing you to regain neck movement. Your doctor may recommend non-prescription and prescription medications.
Non-prescription medications include creams and gels, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. Prescription medications include muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants and corticosteroid injections.
Applying Heat/Ice
If you own a heating pad, you can set it to low or medium and place it on your neck for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. If you do not own a heating pad, you can take a warm shower instead or purchase single-use heat wraps.
You can also place an ice pack on your neck for up to 15 minutes every two to three hours.
Move Carefully
Contrary to the belief of some people that you have to go on bed rest to facilitate recovery for your neck pain, studies indicate that moving can actually help facilitate faster recovery. The key here is to move carefully.
After resting for a few days, you can go back to your normal routines. This will help the muscles regain their strength. As much as possible, avoid lifting heavy objects. Playing sports is a no-no.
Instead, you can perform exercises and stretching to regain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
If you can avoid activities that cause neck pain, like sitting in front of a computer for a long time, do so. Otherwise, find alternatives or modify how you do the activity.
You can gently massage your neck with nonprescription gels or creams. However, if it still feels painful, do not massage your neck.
Preventing Neck Pain
During your visit to your healthcare professional, he may also recommend strategies to prevent neck pain from occurring again. These include getting regular exercises, stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
If your neck pain is caused by poor posture or body mechanics, it is worthwhile to practice good posture while investing in ergonomic equipment.
If your neck pain is caused by your sleeping habits, you may want to invest in pillows with special neck support. At the same time, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you read books before going to bed, you should use a pillow to support both your neck and arms.
