How is neck pain treated?
Neck pain is a common complaint and discomfort occurs for a number of reasons.
Neck pain is rarely a symptom of a serious illness.
As a rule, neck pain can be easily treated with home remedies, however, if the complaint is caused by an injury (accident, fall, etc.), you should definitely call an emergency room. However, you need to consult a doctor if the neck pain is acute, spreads to other parts of the body, and the general condition has not improved even after a few days.
Diagnosis
The doctor will study the medical history, symptoms.
The following studies are effective in determining the cause of neck pain:
- X-ray;
- Computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Blood test to detect inflammation or infection.
Treatment
Mild pain can be managed with medication (the doctor will prescribe painkillers or, if necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs). When taking the medicine, follow the instructions of the attending physician - it is not allowed to change the dose arbitrarily.
A course of physiotherapy is useful - the physiotherapist will teach you how to maintain the correct body posture, which exercises to do to stretch the neck.
A method known as intracutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is recommended for pain relief. During this method of treatment, the doctor places electrodes on the skin, near the painful area, and sends small electrical impulses to relieve discomfort.
Your doctor may suggest steroid injections - medicine injected into a nerve, muscle or joint.
In very rare clinical cases, surgery is considered the only method of curing neck pain.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375587
