The curve to your neck is called cervical lordosis and helps you move it back and forth.After an injury or poor posture, the military neck can be straightened.Congenital birth defects, infections, and tumors are some of the common causes.There are a few ways you can treat and manage your symptoms if you have been diagnosed with neck pain.
Step 1: If you want to strengthen your muscles, visit a physical therapist.
A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your neck and shoulders.If you have a primary care doctor, they can give you a recommendation on physical therapists in your area.If you are going to a physical therapist, make sure they know about upper cervical issues.Depending on the severity of your compression, you may have to visit the physical therapist twice a week.Easy exercises can be practiced at home as well.Lying on your stomach is a good idea.Rest your head against the floor.As you lift your head off the floor, keep your chin tucked.
Step 2: It's a good idea to see a Chiropractor.
It can make your neck pain worse if your upper vertebrae are out of alignment.Talk to a Chiropractor if you have any neck or spine problems.Your neck and spine can be measured by a Chiropractor to see how far along your alignment is.
Step 3: Good posture is maintained when you sit or stand.
Align your neck with your spine by keeping your shoulders down.If you want your neck to stay straight up and down, don't tilt your head in either direction.To maintain your posture, check in with yourself frequently throughout the day.If your job requires you to sit at a desk, this is important.
Step 4: It is a good idea to exercise once a day.
If you have to modify your routine to manage your neck pain, moving your body and raising your heart rate can help speed up your recovery.It is possible to walk for 50 to 60 minutes per day.Don't do exercises that put too much strain on your neck.Talk to your physical therapist about low impact exercises you can do safely.Exercise will help you strengthen your muscles and stay healthy, even though it won't reverse your injury on its own.
Step 5: You should have heat and ice on your neck.
You can manage your pain with an ice pack on your neck and a heating pad twice a day.The ice and heat can help with swelling and pain.Try to keep a few ice packs in the freezer.
Step 6: You can rest your neck with a soft neck brace.
Soft neck braces give your neck muscles support without putting too much strain on them.Wear it for 30 minutes at a time 2 times a day.You can get a soft neck brace from your medical care provider.Your insurance may be able to cover it.If you wear a soft neck brace too much, you could weaken your neck muscles and cause more problems down the road.
Step 7: Take over-the-counter pain killers.
It is possible to reduce the pain and stiffness that you are experiencing.If you want to know how much to take and how often, read the label.
Step 8: Rolling your neck will cause more pain.
Rolling your neck in a circle can make your pain worse.Instead, look left and right with your chin down, and hold the position for 10 seconds each.It will help stretch the muscles in your neck.
Step 9: If your pain is severe, seek prescription medication.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have tried over-the-counter medicine and it doesn't work anymore.They may be able to prescribe you a stronger medication if they tell you your options.Anti-seizure medication, muscle relaxers, and antidepressants have been shown to reduce pain in patients with a crooked spine.It is possible that steroid injections are helpful for pain management.You should always follow your doctor's instructions when taking pain medication.You could become dependent on them if you use them too much.
Step 10: If you have numbness or tingling in your legs, you should see your doctor.
If your fingers, hands, or toes are numb, it could be that your nerves are being compressed.Discuss your options with your doctor.The strength and speed of your nerve signals can be tested by your doctor.
Step 11: As a last result, talk to your doctor.
If you have tried managing your symptoms and seeing a specialist, but your pain is getting worse, you should consult your doctor.They may recommend surgery if you have bone spurs, part of a vertebra, or a segment of your neck.If your nerves are being compressed, you may need to have surgery.