Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments among adults. This issue can turn everyday tasks, such as driving or sitting at a computer, into uncomfortable chores. What can you do to find relief? There are a number of different approaches you could try. This blog post discusses some basic home remedies and shares how you might benefit from visiting a non-surgical orthopedic doctor.
Perform Some Exercises
The muscles in and around the neck can collect a lot of tension, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Fortunately, exercises can help to loosen up the muscles. Here are a few things you can try:
- Roll your shoulders back 10 times.
- Tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear as close to your shoulder as possible. Do this 10 times on each side.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together 10 times.
Try doing exercises daily to see if you experience pain relief. (Important note: If doing these exercises is extremely painful for you, stop right away. Instead, consult with a qualified medical professional.)
Make Ergonomic and Posture Adjustments
If you have a desk job or spend a lot of time on your phone, you might find yourself looking down a lot, which can lead to neck pain. Working on your posture may help to improve your condition. Here are a few things you might try:
- Try to keep your head in line with the center of your body.
- Lift your phone to eye level instead of looking down at it.
- Invest in ergonomic office furniture that will help you maintain good posture.
- Take frequent breaks from working on your computer.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Cold can reduce inflammation, and heat can help tight muscles to relax. You can try alternating heat and cold for about 20 minutes each several times throughout the day.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory, which means they can lead to a significant reduction in discomfort. You can also take appropriate doses of acetaminophen, which is helpful for reducing pain.
Seek Treatment When Necessary
If your neck pain is persistent or severe, or you were injured during an accident, you should consult with a non-surgical orthopedic doctor. They can use imaging equipment to look at the bones and soft tissues in your neck. Once they understand the problem, they can suggest your next steps. Some treatment possibilities include:
- Regenerative medicine injections, such as stem cells or PRP.
- Therapeutic ultrasound.
- Physical therapy.
- Massage.
- Shockwave therapy.
Neck pain can make it difficult to enjoy your life! If home remedies are not providing effective relief, consult with a qualified physician so you can learn about your treatment options.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland is an accomplished sports medicine physician in Glastonbury. He and our team offer a range of non-surgical treatment options for neck pain, including regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, and more. If you are struggling with persistent aches and pains, we would be happy to consult with you. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine at 860-430-9690.