what is the best treatment for a sprained neck

What treatments work best for neck pain?

Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to lessen pain:

• Rest. Rest may be helpful for a day or two after your injury, but too much bed rest may delay recovery.
• Heat or cold. Either heat or cold applied to the neck for 15 minutes every three hours or so can help you feel better.
• Over-the-counter pain medications. ...
• Prescription medications. ...
• Muscle relaxants. ...
• Injections. ...

What best treatment is there for neck vitiligo?

What are the best treatments for vitiligo?

• Creams and ointments (topicals)
• Steroid pills/ injections
• Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Depigmentation

When to seek treatment for neck pain?

• Traumatic injury. Examples include car collisions, diving accidents or falls.
• Muscle weakness. Weakness in an arm or leg or trouble walking may be a sign of a more serious problem.
• High fever. If you have severe neck pain with a high fever, you might have meningitis, an infection of the membrane covering your spinal cord and brain.

How do you treat a sprained neck?

• Apply ice or cold packs to the area of greatest pain. ...
• Rest. Do not use the neck more than necessary. ...
• Support the neck. ...
• Immobilize the neck. ...
• Apply moist heat. ...
• Drink plenty of water. ...
• Begin moving and using the neck as soon as slight relief is felt . ...
• Over-the-counter drugs. ...
• Massage. ...
• Traction. ...

More items...

How long does a sprained neck take to heal?

Recovery from a neck sprain or strain With proper treatment and rest, most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain within four to six weeks. If the strain or sprain is severe, it can take three months or more to fully recover.

Can a neck sprain heal on its own?

Most neck strain or sprains heal on their own within a few days. During the healing process, pain may vary from mild to severe.

How do you fix a sprained neck?

Stiff neck remedies to tryApply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that. ... Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Doctors recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen.Keep moving. ... Gentle massage. ... Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow. ... Use a soft neck collar.

What does a neck strain feel like?

Neck strains are usually felt in the back of the neck, or mostly in the neck and partially in a nearby region, such as the back of the head, upper back, and/or shoulder. Achy or throbbing pain. A dull, nagging pain may persist and potentially affect sleep at night and/or concentration during the day.

What's the difference between a strain and a sprain?

The difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.

How should I sleep with a sprained neck?

Some positions that you may find help relieve your pain include:sleeping on your back slightly reclined.sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees.sleeping in the fetal position.sleeping with a pillow between your knees.

How do I know if my neck injury is serious?

Signs of a Serious Neck InjuryShooting pain in your arms or legs.Pain that is intense or doesn't get better.Weakness in your arms or legs.Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs.Loss of bowel or bladder control.

Should I stretch a strained neck?

Exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce flare-ups, although the evidence for this is not ironclad. Dr. Shmerling encourages his patients to see a physical therapist for guided therapeutic exercise.

How do you know if neck pain is serious?

Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall....Contact a doctor if your neck pain:Is severe.Persists for several days without relief.Spreads down arms or legs.Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling.

Is it better to ice or heat a sore neck?

The general recommendation is to use ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, which will help reduce swelling. Then, use heat to loosen muscles and improve stiffness.

Should I use ice or heat for neck pain?

Generally, the recommendation is to use ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling, followed by heat to loosen muscles and improve stiffness.

Which tablet is best for neck pain?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Alternate heat and cold.

What is a neck sprain?

A neck sprain is a stretched ligament or muscle in the neck. A neck sprain may occur without any obvious injury but sometimes it may be caused by a sudden impact with an object. An impact may force the neck to quickly extend beyond its normal range, and then snap back forcefully. This is commonly called a whiplash injury.

How to treat neck pain?

Pain, inflammation, and tension may be treated by: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Ice for the first 24 hours followed by heat applied to the neck through a moist towel. Muscle relaxants. Gentle movement of the neck is encouraged. Range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a physical therapist.

What are the symptoms of a neck sprain?

Other symptoms that may happen with a neck sprain include: Dizziness. Ringing in the ears. Fatigue. Patchy numbness in the hands or arms.

How to treat a swollen neck?

Pain, inflammation, and tension may be treated by: 1 Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications 2 Ice for the first 24 hours followed by heat applied to the neck through a moist towel 3 Muscle relaxants

What tests are used to detect neck sprain?

Your reflexes. Whether or not you can detect sensations. Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used, but most people with suspected neck sprain do not need these tests.

How long does it take for a sprained neck to heal?

Your head and neck pain should get better within a couple of weeks. If not, local anesthetic injections may be tried. Full recovery may take as long as 3 months. If you are still having symptoms after this time further evaluation by a spine specialist is appropriate.

What are the signs of spinal cord injury?

Arm or leg weakness, difficulty walking, and an inability to control the bladder or bowels are signs of spinal cord injury. If you have immediate neck pain after the incident, go to an emergency room.

What is the best treatment for neck pain?

Chiropractic treatments to the neck can provide short-term pain relief, and, for many people, carry minimal risks. Massage. During a massage, a trained practitioner manipulates the muscles in your neck with his or her hands.

How to help neck pain?

Your doctor might inject corticosteroid medications near the nerve roots, into the small facet joints in the bones of the cervical spine or into the muscles in your neck to help with pain. Numbing medications, such as lidocaine, also can be injected to relieve your neck pain.

How does traction help with neck pain?

Traction uses weights, pulleys or an air bladder to gently stretch your neck. This therapy, under supervision of a medical professional and physical therapist, may provide relief of some neck pain, especially pain related to nerve root irritation. Short-term immobilization.

What is the best way to diagnose neck pain?

It involves inserting fine needles through your skin into a muscle and performing tests to measure the speed of nerve conduction to determine whether specific nerves are functioning properly.

How long does it take for a neck to heal?

Treatment. The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond well to self-care within two or three weeks. If neck pain persists, your doctor might recommend other treatments.

What is the best pain reliever for arthritis?

Over-the-counter pain relievers. Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day.

What can a physical therapist do to help with neck pain?

Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you correct posture, alignment and neck-strengthening exercises, and can use heat, ice, electrical stimulation and other measures to help ease your pain and prevent a recurrence.

What to do for neck pain in 2019?

September 25, 2019. Neck pain essentials include icing and heat, gentle therapeutic exercise, and good posture. Sore neck? It's pretty common. And most men get neck pain for the same reasons they suffer low back pain. "In the vast majority of people, it's routine muscle strain and sprain," says Dr.

How to get rid of neck pain?

Be sure to keep your head level; you should be gliding your head backward, not bending or tipping it. Hold for five seconds. Repeat five times. Additional exercises for neck pain are available in Neck Pain: A troubleshooting guide to help you find relief, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. /NK.

How to heal a swollen neck?

Exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce flare-ups, although the evidence for this is not ironclad. Dr. Shmerling encourages his patients to see a physical therapist for guided therapeutic exercise. Here is what the therapist can offer: ...

Why do you wear a neck collar?

Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort. "Collars have a bad reputation from people overusing them and getting weak muscles, but used a few hours here and there they can be very useful," Dr. Shmerling says.

How to relieve neck and back pain?

First, ease the early intense pain with rest, ice, and heat; then move on to gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Later, avoid bad posture and other habits that could trigger another neck pain crisis.

What is the best way to stretch the neck muscles?

Therapy will likely combine isometric and range-of-motion exercises. In isometric exercise, you tighten the neck muscles against an opposing force—such as your own hand, which you "push against" with your neck muscles. Range-of-motion stretches attempt to progressively relax and lengthen the neck muscles.

What is the best medicine for acute pain?

Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic brands) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Use a neck collar for short periods ...

How is a neck sprain treated?

Neck sprain treatment is similar to treating any other sprain in the body. The goals are to reduce pain and other symptoms, and allow the ligaments to heal. This usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and ice. A soft neck collar can help support the head, which relieves pressure on the ligaments while they heal.

How to reduce neck sprain?

Smart habits are the best way to lower your risk of spraining your neck, including: Learning how to correctly position a car head restraint to protect your head and neck. It should be even with the top of your head if possible. If not, adjust it to the highest position.

What is a neck sprain?

A neck sprain is a type of soft tissue injury. It occurs when a ligament in the neck stretches more than it should. Overstretching the ligament causes pain and other neck problems. It results from sudden trauma or forces on the head or neck. Whiplash is an example of a neck sprain. Severe neck sprains can actually tear the ligament either partially or completely.

What are the signs and symptoms of a sprained neck?

Pain is the main symptom of a neck sprain. The pain worsens with movement and can start right after an injury or take several days to develop. The amount of pain will depend on the severity of the sprain. Minor neck sprains tend to produce mild pain . Sprains that tear the ligament can result in intense pain. Other signs of sprained neck or neck sprain symptoms can include:

How long does it take for a neck sprain to heal?

For mild to moderate neck sprains, the ligaments will gradually heal over time. This typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

How to tell if you have a sprained neck?

Other signs of sprained neck or neck sprain symptoms can include: Difficulty sleeping or concentrating . Headache at the back of the head. Muscle spasms in the neck or shoulders. Neck stiffness. Numbness or tingling in the upper extremities. Sore throat. Weakness in the neck or shoulders.

What causes a sprained neck?

Neck sprain causes can include falls, sports injuries, physical assault, and motor vehicle accidents, especially rear-end accidents . Neck sprain can even happen after amusement park rides that cause the head to jerk or bounce.

What is the best medicine for neck stiffness?

Both may be used alternately. Over-the-counter medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by reducing inflammation, are typically a first line of treatment for neck stiffness and soreness. Common types of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g. Naprosyn).

How to keep neck from hurting?

Being aware of posture throughout the day can keep the spine naturally aligned and minimize stress on the neck. See How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain. Keep neck strong and flexible. When the neck’s muscles are strong and flexible, they are better able to hold good posture and less likely to spasm and become painful.

How to get rid of stiffness in neck?

Gentle stretching. Stretching, as soon as tolerated, helps ease the stiffness and restore the neck to a more natural range of motion. For many, it is a good idea to learn appropriate stretches with the help of a physical therapist or other qualified health professional. Low-impact aerobic exercise.

Why is my neck stiff?

In the vast majority of cases, a stiff neck is caused by a simple muscle strain or sprain that will heal on its own within a few days. However, several treatment options are available to reduce pain and help facilitate healing by following one or more of the tips below. See Neck Strain: Causes and Remedies. Stiff Neck Remedies Based on Cause Save.

What can a physical therapist do to help with neck pain?

A physical therapist or other medical professional can help design a physical therapy program with neck exercises and stretches for an individual to follow. After learning what works for him or her, an individual can usually maintain neck strength and flexibility by continuing with exercises and stretches at home.

How to help neck stiffness?

Cold therapy/ice packs help relieve most types of neck stiffness by reducing local inflammation. Applying ice during the first 24 to 48 hours of a painful flare-up usually has the most benefit in terms of reducing inflammation. Applying heat to the neck can spur blood flow, which fosters a better healing environment.

How to keep cervical spine healthy?

In addition to lowering the risk of a stiff neck in the short term, maintaining a strong, flexible neck, and using good posture can also help keep the cervical spine healthier in the long term.

How to treat a neck strain?

When pain from a neck strain first develops, one or more of the following treatments are typically tried: 1 Activity modification. Resting the neck and/or refraining from strenuous activities for a couple days can give the muscle or tendon time to start healing and feeling better. Trying to push through the pain without reducing activity levels could worsen the injury and prolong the pain. 2 Ice and/or heat therapy. It is recommended to apply ice within the first 48 hours of an injury to help reduce swelling. After 48 hours, heat or ice may be applied, depending on the patient’s preference. Heat can help facilitate blood circulation and bring healing nutrients to the damaged tissues. A layer should be kept between the skin and hot/cold source to avoid skin damage, and applications should be kept to 10 to 20 minutes with rest periods in between.#N#See Heat Therapy Cold Therapy 3 Over-the-counter pain medication. Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) or naproxen (e.g. Aleve), reduces inflammation, which in turn can reduce pain. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), may also be an option.#N#See NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

What is the best treatment for a stiff neck?

Some medical professionals provide massage therapy in conjunction with manual manipulation. See Massage Therapy for Chronic Stiff Neck. Acupuncture.

How to get a muscle out of neck?

Activity modification. Resting the neck and/or refraining from strenuous activities for a couple days can give the muscle or tendon time to start healing and feeling better. Trying to push through the pain without reducing activity levels could worsen the injury and prolong the pain. Ice and/or heat therapy.

How long does a neck strain last?

Treatments for Neck Strains That Linger. If a neck strain lasts longer than a few days or perhaps another underlying problem in the cervical spine continues and causes muscle spasms and chronic pain, other treatments may need be needed for adequate relief. Some examples include:

What to do if your neck is hurting?

Tylenol), may also be an option. It should be noted that even if a neck muscle strain is painful with most movements, total bed rest and/or a neck brace are not typically recommended because that could lead to weaker neck muscles and a longer recovery period.

How to stop neck pain from waking up?

Taking breaks or alternating activities enables muscles to rest and recover to avoid injury. Sleep well. Finding the right pillow, mattress, and sleep position can reduce the risk for waking up with neck pain.

How to help neck pain?

In addition, regularly performing exercises and stretches that target the neck and core muscles can help improve posture as well.Many neck strains result from poor posture due to deconditioned neck muscles. See Neck Exercises for Neck Pain. Start slowly.

How to prevent neck pain?

In addition, regular exercise can strengthen your muscles and make them less likely to be strained or injured. Also, not smoking or quitting smoking can help prevent neck pain.

How to stop neck stiffness?

Periodically stopping to stretch is a great way to help prevent getting a stiff neck. Stretches include:

How to prevent stiff neck at work?

Here are some ways to prevent a stiff neck at work: Adjust your chair into a comfortable position with your feet flat on the floor and your knees a bit lower than your hips.

What percentage of women had neck pain in 2010?

In 2010, more than 17 percent of women and more than 12 percent of men. reported some type of neck pain and stiffness. That number is rising with the prevalent use of mobile devices and computers, which compel people to crane their necks at awkward angles.

What does it mean when your neck hurts?

pain that spreads down your arms or legs. weakness in your arms, hands, or legs. headache alongside pain. These additional symptoms could be a sign of a more serious injury to your neck, like a herniated disk, pinched nerve, bulging disk, or arthritis.

Can you buy a pillow with neck support?

If you sleep on your side for all or part of the night, you can buy a pillow with neck support.

Does smoking help with neck pain?

Also, not smoking or quitting smoking can help prevent neck pain. Quitting can be difficult. Talk to your doctor to create a quit-smoking plan that is right for you.

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