Show Sore neck? It's pretty common. And most men get neck painfor the same reasons they suffer low back pain. "In the vast majority of people, it's routine muscle strain and sprain," says Dr. Robert Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing and Corresponding Member of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "The neck has to support that heavy bowling ball on top." The remedies for neck and back painalso have some things in common. First, ease the early intense pain with rest, ice, and heat; then move on to gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Later, avoid bad posture and other habits that could trigger another neck pain crisis. First steps to relieve neck painThe causes of routine strain-and-sprain neck pain vary. If you wake up with a "crick" in your neck, it's probably the sharp muscle contractions known as spasms, caused by a muscle strain. A sprain, in contrast, happens in ligaments—the tough tissues that connect bones together. Alternatively, a tendon—the tissue that attaches muscles to bones—may become inflamed, causing tendinitis. Basic self-help takes care of most routine neck pain flare-ups:
Should you go to a chiropractor to get your neck "cracked"? Dr. Shmerling counsels against sudden, strenuous manipulation of the neck. "It may be fine for low back pain, but avoid it for neck pain," he says. Therapeutic exercise for neck painExercises to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce flare-ups, although the evidence for this is not ironclad. Dr. Shmerling encourages his patients to see a physical therapist for guided therapeutic exercise. Here is what the therapist can offer:
Finally, take inventory of your posture or daily habits that could trigger neck pain, like sitting for extended periods in positions that strain the neck during reading, TV watching, computer work, or sleeping. Attending to the cause may stop some flare-ups of neck pain at the source. Is it something more serious?If neck pain is severe, lasts for weeks or months, drastically limits your ability to move your head, radiates into the shoulders, or feels worse in the morning, consider seeing a doctor. Fever or weakness or numbness in the arms are other "red flags" that warrant additional evaluation. In some cases, an underlying physical problem, such as arthritis, an infection, or a compressed nerve, may be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need additional treatments or even surgery to relieve the pain and get back to your normal activities.
Simple neck stretch [A] Look straight ahead. [B] Tuck your chin in slightly and move your head backward, slowly and smoothly. Be sure to keep your head level; you should be gliding your head backward, not bending or tipping it. Hold for five seconds. Repeat five times. Additional exercises for neck pain are available in Neck Pain: A troubleshooting guide to help you find relief, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Illustrations: Alayna Paquette Top Image: doucefleur/Getty Images What is the fastest way to relieve neck and shoulder pain?For minor, common causes of neck pain, try these simple remedies:. Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that. ... . Take over-the-counter pain relievers. ... . Keep moving. ... . Gentle massage. ... . Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow. ... . Use a soft neck collar.. How do I get rid of neck and shoulder pain on right side?You can try:. taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.. icing the injured area.. applying heat to the neck or taking a warm bath.. moving the neck gently from side to side.. stretching your muscles gently.. staying active despite the pain.. getting someone to massage the area.. practicing proper posture.. Why my right side neck and shoulder is paining?It is common for people to experience pain in the right side of the neck. In most cases, the pain occurs due to a muscle strain or another benign cause. People can often treat their pain using home remedies and medications. However, for severe or prolonged neck pain, it is best to see a doctor.
|