Neck Pain

Neck Pain Treatment Advice

How to treat your neck pain

Neck pain is a very common complaint. We don't realise how much we rely on our neck and our spine until we develop neck pain or back pain. Neck pain can really get you down – and many of those who suffer with chronic neck pains end up quite depressed by their symptoms.

How do you choose between all the neck pain relief products that are available? The range of options is huge and the choice can seem quite bewildering. Finding the best neck pain treatment option needs knowledge on your part. This article aims to help you through the maze.

Don't let your neck pain take over your life.

Another name for the neck is the cervical spine – and the two terms are used interchangeably on this page

Neck pain treatment options

The choice of the best neck pain treatment will depend on the specific cause of your neck pain. The suggestions below are general – please check with your doctor or therapist for more specific advice.

Neck brace or neck support
Try using a collar or a neck brace to support the cervical spine - it can often give good relief from neck pains. Collars can be soft and made from foam, or hard and rigid. For the most part I recommend the softer versions. They are easier to wear and generally better tolerated. Check with your doctor or therapist – they may have a specific reason for recommending that you use a certain type of collar.

Neck pillow
A neck support pillow is designed to cradle the weight of your head as you sleep - easing the strain on the cervical spine and helping release neck muscle tension. Normal sleep posture means that the neck drops into a flexed shape as you sink into deeper sleep. This can strain inflamed neck joints or muscles - and can aggravate your pain. Try a neck pillow - it may work well for you.
You can also try supporting your neck with a rolled up hand towel placed beneath your neck and in front of your normal pillow as you sleep.

Painkillers for neck pain
I find that the response is very individual when it comes to the choice of pain killer tablets or anti-inflammatory tablets for neck pain. Some people find great relief of their cervical spine pain by taking paracetamol (tylenol) or a similar pain relief tablet. Many have a small dose of codeine added.

Other patients gain benefit from anti-inflammatory medications. Some end up with a combination of both types of tablet. It really is a very individual thing and the best advice I can give is to speak to your doctor about it and then try various combinations to see what works best for you. Be wary of side effects related to anti-inflammatory tablets.

Whats the best neck exercise
The story is similar to the one above for painkiller tablets when it comes to choosing exercises for neck pain.
My advice would always be to seek advice from a physical therapist, an osteopath or a chiropractor.

Alternatively you can check out information about the McKenzie method of neck pain treatment or buy the book called Treat Your Own Neck by Robin McKenzie. It's easy to read and gives good quality advice.

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Neck Pain Advice from the Mayo Clinic

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Spine Universe Neck Pain Pages

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