If you have a cervical spine condition, you have probably experienced an aching neck. Conditions such as arthritis, herniated disc disease, spinal stenosis, or others can all contribute to neck pain. Although the causes may vary, there are neck pain treatment options to help relieve your pain.
If you’re looking for neck pain treatment in Dover, NJ, it’s best to find an orthopedist to help you. Here are some options they may recommend:
Heat and Cold Applications
Persistent neck pain warrants a visit to your orthopedist. If you don’t have any severe underlying conditions, you can use home-based neck pain treatment. These simple home fixes are more accessible and cheaper than other methods. In many cases, some self-care is all you need to keep neck pain at bay.
Applying cold compresses can decrease pain levels. By causing localized constriction of blood vessels, cold temperatures reduce swelling and suppress inflammation. When using cold compresses, limit each application session to 20 minutes to prevent frostbite. Don’t forget to wrap a cloth around the cooling element to avoid damaging the skin.
Alternatively, hot compresses may effectively relieve your pain. Warm temperatures tend to increase local blood circulation. Many people also find the warmth to be soothing. Like cold compresses, limit how long you apply heating pads to protect your skin. You can also try alternating hot and cold treatments until you get the pain relief you need.
Lifestyle Changes
Ask any orthopedist, and they will tell you about the beneficial effects of stretching on your neck. These exercises can improve flexibility and promote healing. They are also a form of effective neck pain treatment that does not involve medication.
Stretching Exercises
Suitable stretching exercises include bending your neck sideways and pushing your head against a headrest. Shoulder rolling and squeezing should also work, given many muscles of the neck connect to the shoulders.
Commit to exercising regularly, especially after periods of inactivity. However, make sure to get a signal from your orthopedist to proceed. Some causes of neck pain, such as a bone fracture, can worsen with excessive movement.
Be Aware of Your Posture
Another lifestyle change you can consider is to maintain good posture as much as possible. Here are some adjustments you can do to improve your body’s alignment:
- Always sit up straight and keep your head level when working at a desk or driving.
- Arrange your workspace so your monitor is at eye level.
- Avoid carrying items that can strain your neck, such as heavy shoulder bags.
- Make sure your head is correctly aligned while you sleep.
Medications
Your orthopedist may recommend pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These drugs are suitable for mild to moderate pain.
They may also prescribe other medications as part of your neck pain treatment. For more intense pain, your orthopedist might recommend corticosteroid injections into your neck. Lidocaine, which numbs pain signals, can also provide relief.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you through flexibility and strengthening exercises to improve posture. They will craft a plan to build your strength and mobility gradually.
Physical therapy sessions may also involve traction. Your physical therapist may use weights and pulleys to stretch your neck. Immobilization devices, like a soft collar, can also reduce the mechanical stress on your neck.
Surgery
When conservative methods fail, your orthopedist may recommend surgery as part of your neck pain treatment. The procedure will depend on the nature of your neck condition. For instance, a herniated disc would warrant surgery to clear debris and remove bulging disc portions.
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help you regain neck mobility post-surgery more quickly. Additionally, newer surgical procedures can cut back on the length of the recovery period. Overall, surgery can lead to long-term relief from neck pain.
Neck Pain Treatment in Dover, NJ
There are several methods for treating neck pain, from treatments as simple as stretching to surgery. However, cervical spine conditions have different causes. It’s best to consult your orthopedist on which neck pain treatment option would be safe for you.
If you’ve been suffering and are searching online for neck pain treatment, look no further than the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. Our orthopedic specialists deliver individualized healthcare for patients. We make sure our patients get treatment modalities appropriate for their specific conditions.
To request a consultation, call us at (973) 989-0888, or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
