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Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Most commonly, neck pain is caused by weak neck muscles resulting in poor posture, by lifting, or by awkward movements of the neck.

How can I prevent the pain?
Since poor posture can be a major cause, it is important to look carefully at your home and work environments to be sure that you are not causing muscle tension in your neck and shoulders.

What can be done to relieve the pain?
When you begin having neck pain, you should decrease or eliminate activities that stress your neck muscles. In general, try to avoid any bending or twisting of your neck, and avoid lifting and reaching above shoulder level. Most people will find some relief by applying ice or heat to the neck area. You should limit the application of ice or heat to twenty or thirty minutes to prevent injury to the skin. Taking anti-inflammatory medication available over-the-counter from your local pharmacy can also be helpful in reducing both pain and swelling in the area. Be sure to read the label to make sure it will not interfere with other medicines you may be taking or that you have any medical history that could make it unsafe for you to be taking these types of medicines. If you are unsure, please contact your primary care physician before taking the medication. No medication is 100% effective in eliminating neck pain, and tylenol or ibuprofen is often as effective as narcotic medication. In fact, narcotics can cause a variety of side effects and may actually reduce your body's ability to control pain.

When should I go see a doctor about my neck pain?
If your neck pain does not go away after several days of the above treatments, you should consult your primary care physician so that he or she can determine if further work-up or treatment is required. You should contact your physician if your pain goes down your arms, or if you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your arms or hands.

NOTE: The information on this site is informational only and is not intended to be medical advice. NO ANSWERS TO MEDICAL QUESTIONS WILL BE GIVEN BY E-MAIL OR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE. Contact your physician for advice about specific medical conditions.

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