Is the Neck Pain you Are Experiencing Acute or Chronic? What's the difference?
Acute is when the pain comes on suddenly. This is typically an onset brought on by a trauma such as a sports injury or auto accident or something similar. That trauma can also be something like turning fast and feeling a muscle pull, or sleeping in a awkward position and waking up with a stiff neck or pain.
Chronic neck pain is pain that has been present over a long period of time or at least returns on a fairly regular basis. This is something like arthritis pain or a disc that has had a certain amount of degeneration. These are termed chronic because they have been there over a long period of time or go away but have continued to periodically return.
Either way we want to get rid of that neck discomfort. Here's some ways to stop the neck pain.
If Acute: Ice because there will be inflammation, ice will help to bring that down. Another great treatment tool is a home t.e.n.s. unit. This will also help to get inflammation moving and relax the neck.
If Chronic: Heat may help to keep the area relaxed and mobile. Something like a Biofreeze gel - a warming gel that relaxes the muscles, may work well.
Medicine - I wanted to add this paragraph in because taking something is so commonplace. Heck, there's a CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, or RiteAid Pharmacy on every corner. It's McDonalds, a gas station, pharmacy, grocery store maybe. Sometimes two pharmacies it seems like here in Connecticut anyways.
Any way, the point is that drugs should only be used short term. If it's not over- the- counter; please only use it under a doctors supervision. Here's some good information from www.spine-health.com
Whichever one you may have, lining up the spine is very beneficial. This enables not only the best motion, but also minimizes inflammation and takes pressure off of nerves.
Additional Reading:
- Treatment options for a military neck
- When Chronic Neck Pain Strikes
- Neck & Shoulder Pain
- What can be Done for Neck Arthritis?
- Relief of Painful Trigger Points in the neck and upper back at home
