Instant Neck Pain Relief

Neck Pain Relief Treatment Options

To get instant neck pain relief, there are several simple methods you can use. The neck is a delicate, intricate structure so be very gentle with it and do not twist it every which way in an attempt to ease the pain.

One of the simplest ways to get neck pain relief is to lie down and give your neck muscles a chance to recover. But don't use a thick pillow that crimps your neck.

Ice effectively numbs pain and decreases inflammation. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover the bag with a pillowcase (a terry towel is too thick to effectively transmit the cold). Apply the ice pack to your painful neck for 15 minutes at a time.

Heat increases circulation and can be effective for easing stiff muscles. Use a wet towel or a hot water bottle, or stand in a hot shower. But don't keep it up for too long. Too much heat can aggravate symptoms and cause more pain. You might even want to try following up your heat application with a few minutes of cold treatment.

Massage can help ease tense muscles and give temporary relief, and it may help you sleep better. First, take a hot bath or shower to relax the muscles. Then, have your partner use oil or lotion and rub your neck and shoulders using the fingers to apply gentle pressure in small circular motions.

Next, have your partner rub your neck and shoulders using firm pressure and long, downward strokes. Don't forget the chest area. If you don't have a willing partner, try rubbing your own neck and chest area with oil or lotion for 10 or 15 minutes. This is a good way to get neck pain relief.

There are times when neck pain relief does not work. Try taking a non prescription pain reliever. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can ease the pain and reduce inflammation. If you can't take these medications because of allergies, stomach upset, or any other reason, try acetaminophen; it won't calm inflammation, but it should help relieve pain.

Before taking any over-the-counter medication, make sure you consult the pharmacist or your doctor if you have allergies. These medications are commonly used for neck pain relief.

Introduction To Neck Pain

All About Neck Pain And Neck Pain Relief

The most common cause of neck pain is muscle strain or tension. This is usually caused by daily hectic life and busy work schedule that requires bending over a desk for long hours or sitting in a poor posture while working, watching television or reading. If your computer monitor is not correctly aligned to your seating height, this also causes strains on the neck area.

While most neck pain is caused during the time when you are working, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or twisting and turning the neck in a jarring manner while exercising can also contribute to muscle strain. Traumatic accidents or falls can cause severe neck injuries like vertebral fractures, whiplash, blood vessel injury, and even paralysis.

Other causes include herniated disk, fibromyalgia (pain syndrome throughout the body), and arthritis. Meningitis, although much less common, can cause significant neck stiffness. There are times when neck pain relief does not work and you need to consult a doctor.

Your neck pains can originate from any structure in the neck including muscles and nerves as well as spinal vertebrae and the cushioning disks in between. Neck pain may also come from regions near the neck, like the shoulder, jaw, head, and upper arms.

If you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or elsewhere and experience significant muscle spasm pinching on a nerve or a slipped disk pressing on a nerve, then it is likely your nerves are involved. A stiff neck is where you have difficulty turning your head from side to side. Fortunately, most neck pains can be treated quite easily.