Neck pain treatment concentrates first on finding the reason behind the occurrence and then treating it accordingly.
One of the major causes of neck pain is injury, which results in a pinched nerve near the base of the skull. Peterson Chiropractic explains that this is typically because of disk damage, muscle tightness or certain bony deposits called Osteophytes. This usually leads to chronic or acute pain that radiates from the neck base to the scalp or to the arms, shoulders and fingers.
Neck pain is also associated with mild to acute headaches, stiff neck muscles, dizziness, numbness or tingling, and these may decrease the mobility in a person.
Methods of Neck Pain Treatment
One of the most common treatments is the application of heat directly on the area where the pain occurs. It may be done by either electric heat pads or by pressing a hot towel that relaxes the cervical muscles and provides relief.
Also, light massaging of the muscles of the neck with medicated oils and menthol creams is also advisable in most cases. The massage however, should be done on the neck side and not on the cervical spine directly.
In cases of chronic or acute pain that really makes the patient suffer, it is always advisable to sign up for the services of a trained and experienced chiropractor. This treatment involves stretching the cervical spine by way of manual manipulation.
You also have the choice of being treated by a professional acupressure or acupuncture expert. The latter will insert needles in certain pressure points on the neck to reduce pressure and, subsequently, pain around the neck. Acupressure also involves manual traction, which opens up the foramen of the cervical spine to reduce pain.
All neck pain treatment procedures include rest, the use of soft and slim pillows, and wearing a cervical collar that supports the neck muscles.
Orthopedic surgeons also advise a series of physical neck exercises for getting relief from neck pain. Then there are also various medications like Paracetamol, Aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs of the non-steroidal type that also give temporary relief.