what is the recommended treatment for someone with a back or neck injury

Some include: Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting ultrafine needles through specific areas on your skin. Chiropractic care. A chiropractor performs joint manipulation techniques. Massage. Neck massage may provide short-term relief of neck pain from whiplash injury.

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for a neck injury?

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.

Do you need treatment for back or neck pain?

There are many people who deal with chronic neck or back pain on a daily basis, but they still need to work. You may be suffering, but the bills will not stop because of it. Undergoing treatment for back or neck pain is recommended for anyone experiencing pain.

What should I do if I suspect a head or neck injury?

If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, you must keep the head, neck, and back perfectly still until emergency medical care arrives. Any movement of the head, neck, or back could result in paralysis or death.

What can a physical therapist do for neck pain?

A physical therapist can also perform traction, using the hands or special equipment to gently stretch the neck muscles. You can also get equipment by prescription to perform neck traction at home but follow the therapist's instructions carefully.

Which method is best used to move a person with a suspected head neck or back injury?

It is important to keep the injured person's head in line with their neck. Avoid twisting their head or allowing their head to roll to the side. If you can, roll a t-shirt, towel or similar soft item and place it around their neck to keep their head straight. Don't try to move them unless there is an urgent need to.

What is the first aid for neck injury?

Rest and reassure. Loosen tight clothing. Support and hold head and neck in a neutral position, place hands on either side of the casualty's head to prevent twisting or bending the spine. Urgent medical aid.

Which is an appropriate emergency move for a victim suspected of having a head neck or spinal injury?

Do not move the patient unless in danger. Support head, neck and spine in a neutral position at all times to prevent twisting or bending movements. If the ambulance is delayed, apply a cervical collar, if trained to do so, to minimise neck movement. Ensure an ambulance has been called: triple zero (000).

What is the treatment of choice in spinal cord injury patients?

Options include soft neck collars and various braces. Surgery. Often surgery is necessary to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated disks or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing the spine. Surgery might also be needed to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity.

What should the nurse do first when a client with a head injury begins to have clear drainage from the nose?

If the drainage is clear, the nurse should check it for glucose. The head of the bed should be elevated 15 to 30 degrees to facilitate the drainage and decrease intracranial pressure.

When you suspect neck injury What action should you take to open the patient's airway before administering rescue breathing?

To open the airway, place 1 hand on the person's forehead and gently tilt their head back, lifting the tip of the chin using 2 fingers. This moves the tongue away from the back of the throat. Don't push on the floor of the mouth, as this will push the tongue upwards and obstruct the airway.

What is the first step in assessing a victim for head and spinal injuries?

Look, listen, and feel for 10 seconds. If they're breathing, continue to support their head, monitor their breathing, and level of response. If they are unresponsive and not breathing, make sure you have called 999/112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away.

When caring for a patient with a possible head injury it is most important to monitor the patient's?

When caring for a patient with a possible head injury, it is MOST important to monitor the patient's: level of consciousness. During your primary assessment of a semiconscious 30-year-old female with closed head trauma, you note that she has slow, irregular breathing and a slow, bounding pulse.

How do you lift a patient with a spinal injury?

3:507:36How to move a patient with an unstable spine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a spinal scoop that we use at UCLH. So we're now going to place our patient on a spinalMoreThis is a spinal scoop that we use at UCLH. So we're now going to place our patient on a spinal scoop in order to move them safely from one bed surface to another we'll do a turn and turn to 45

How is acute spinal cord injury treated?

The first treatment for SCIs depends on the location and severity of the injury. Some people may be treated with medicines called steroids. These help reduce the swelling in the spinal column. If the back bones (vertebrae) were moved out of position, surgery may be used to fix them.

Which medicine is best for spinal cord?

Medications for Spinal Cord Injury PatientsCorticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a type of medication that can help minimize damage in the early phases of spinal cord injury. ... NSAIDs. ... Antidepressants. ... Anticonvulsants. ... Narcotic Analgesics (Opioids) ... Antispasmodics and Muscle Relaxants. ... Antibiotics.

How is spinal shock treated?

Treatments for spinal cord injury-related spinal shock include:Physical and occupational therapies.Exercise therapy to strengthen muscles and maintain a healthy body weight.Medications such as painkillers, antibiotics, and antidepressants.Psychotherapy to aid in coping with and managing the injury.More items...

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.

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.

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.

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 to treat neck pain?

Alternative Treatments for Neck Pain 1 Massage therapy. A massage can soothe muscle tension and spasms, reducing pain and promoting relaxation. Some people may prefer self-massage or a massage from a willing friend or partner, whereas others may find more relief when massage is performed by a trained professional. 2 Manual manipulation. A chiropractor, osteopath, or other health professional may use the hands to adjust the spine for improved range of motion and reduced pain. Spinal manipulation involves a high-velocity manipulation, whereas spinal mobilization involves techniques that are more limited in their range of motion. Before having a high-velocity neck manipulation, it is important to rule out any spinal instability or underlying medical condition to reduce the risk for rare but serious complications, such as stroke.#N#See Chiropractic Manipulation for the Cervical Spine 3 Acupuncture. A certified acupuncturist places thin needles into specific points on the skin based on the pain type and/or suspected cause. When treating neck pain, the needles may be placed in the neck and/or elsewhere on the body with the belief that unblocking stagnant energy (qi) can promote healing.#N#See Acupuncture: An Ancient Treatment for a Current Problem 4 Mindful meditation. Practicing mindfulness and meditation may help relax the body, reduce pain, or give a sense of more control over the pain. Various methods are available, such as controlled breathing exercises and distraction techniques.

What are some ways to relieve neck pain?

Alternative or complementary treatments tend to have less rigorous scientific backing, but many people have reported benefiting from them when treating neck pain. Massage therapy . A massage can soothe muscle tension and spasms, reducing pain and promoting relaxation.

Why do injections help with neck pain?

Other injection options may be available. Injections tend to provide temporary relief because they reduce inflammation or block pain, rather than address the underlying cause. If an injection helps lessen neck pain, it is still important to use that time period to continue therapeutic exercises and lifestyle modifications that may provide more long-term relief.

How to treat neck pain that is not debilitating?

If neck pain is not debilitating and was not caused by trauma, the pain can typically be treated with self-care. Short period of rest. While strenuous activities and movements that worsen pain are to be avoided for a few days, some movement is typically encouraged to prevent the neck from becoming weaker and/or stiffer. Ice and/or heat.

How many sessions per week for neck pain?

The physical therapy program’s structure and length can vary depending on the specific diagnosis and situation. Multiple sessions per week with a trained physical therapist may be recommended to start. In time, prescribed exercises may be continued at home. See Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Relief.

What is the best medicine for neck pain?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, are typically tried first for neck pain. If neck pain persists, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as prescription-strength NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or opioids on a short-term basis.

How to help a stiff neck?

If a particular movement or stretch exacerbates pain, stop and try another movement instead. See 4 Easy Stretches for a Stiff Neck. advertisement.

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 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 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.

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.

Why does my neck hurt so bad?

If neck pain is severe, lasts for weeks or months, drastically limits your ability to move your head, radiates into the shoulders, or feels worse in the morning, consider seeing a doctor. Fever or weakness or numbness in the arms are other "red flags" that warrant additional evaluation. In some cases, an underlying physical problem, such as arthritis, an infection, or a compressed nerve, may be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need additional treatments or even surgery to relieve the pain and get back to your normal activities.

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.

Why is it important to minimize inflammation in the neck?

It is important to minimize inflammation so that motion can be restored thus minimizing scar tissue formation and muscle imbalance to limit chronic neck pain.

What happens if you have a neck injury?

Any neck injury, regardless of the cause, should be fully evaluated by a health care provider or at an emergency room. Injuries like whiplash, falls and sports trauma can result in fractures, injury to the spinal cord, ligament disruption, loss of consciousness, traumatic brain injury, neurological symptoms, headaches and other serious problems.

Why do neck muscles heal so fast?

Healing A Neck Injury. Muscles tend to heal fast because they are richly innervated with blood vessels. These blood vessels running throughout the muscle can be torn as well and that is how some muscle pulls can be associated with black and blue discoloration at the site of injury.

What is the neck pain questionnaire?

To monitor an injury or other neck problem and the effect it has on the ability to manage everyday life, I like to use the neck pain symptoms questionnaire or the neck pain disability questionnaire. Either or both of these can help determine how healing is progressing and monitor the level of dysfunction and disability.

How long does it take for a pulled muscle to heal?

Pulled muscles generally take about 3 weeks to heal. Healing time may take longer if there is extensive tearing or if the muscle is re-injured before it is fully healed. Bones heal relatively quick as they have a good blood supply and blood cells are formed within the marrow. A simple fracture can heal in 5-6 weeks.

How long does it take to get ice on your neck?

Depending on the extent of neck injury, this may take up to a few weeks. After the initial inflammation and pain have been reduced, it is important to begin to do some mild exercises and stretches.

What is the best position to sit in if your neck is hurting?

The unloaded, supine position (ly ing on the back) was recommended if the sitting position proved too painful. If rotation exercises were not tolerated, intervention was not discontinued but adjusted by either reducing the amount of rotation of the movements, reducing the number of movements, or both. If problems were still encountered, they were treated on the principles discussed in our neck pain article using the neck exercises and stretches described.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How to treat a swollen neck?

Take a hot shower for 20 minutes a few times a day. Use a hot-water bottle, heating pad (set on low), or heat lamp directed to the neck for 10 minutes, several times a day.

How to stop bruising from head injury?

Doing this helps reduce swelling and bruising. Change it every 15 to 20 minutes for 1 to 2 hours. Do not put ice directly on the skin. Cover an open, small cut with gauze and first-aid tape or an adhesive bandage. Once you know there is no serious head injury, do normal activities again.

What to do when someone is bleeding?

Monitor for Bleeding and Shock. Keep the person warm with blankets, coats, etc.

How to keep head from moving?

Tie in place, but don’t interfere with the person’s breathing. If necessary, use both of your hands, one on each side of the person’s head to keep the head from moving.

What to do if you are in a motorcycle accident?

First Aid For Traffic Accidents. If the person was in a motorcycle accident, do not remove the helmet. Call 9-1-1 to do this. Don’t move the person. He or she may have a spinal injury.

What to do if your arm goes numb?

See your doctor, as soon as you can, to find out the extent of injury. If your arm or hand is numb, let your doctor know .

What causes a head injury?

Anything that puts too much pressure or force on the head, neck, or back can result in injury. Common causes are falls, accidents, and hard blows.

How to help a swollen neck?

Replace your pillows. Look for feather and memory foam pillows, or ones specifically designed to relieve back and neck pain. A pillow with a high loft can cramp your neck and cause pain, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach.

How to help lower back pain?

Your sleeping position may not be everything, but it can absolutely affect back and neck pain. Sleeping flat on your back with pillows under your knees can help relieve lower back pain. Try back or side sleeping for neck pain.

What type of foam is best for neck pain?

Foam, particularly latex foam, may work best for sleepers with back and neck pain. Coils alone won’t provide enough contouring and pressure relief, so opting for a hybrid with latex foam comfort layers can help meet that need.

Does a mattress help with back pain?

Changing your mattress may not provide an instant cure, but many people find that sleeping on a better mattress really does help relieve back and neck pain.

How to stop neck pain from a strained neck?

Take breaks often to stretch and relieve your back or neck from a strained or unrealized position. Exercise regularly. If you feel excessive neck or back pain, examine what is making it hurt more and try to stop repeating that particular position or activity. Visit with a doctor for the best recommendations for the symptoms you are experiencing.

How to stop neck pain from work?

Since any job can unexpectedly present a problem for the neck or back, we encourage preventive and safety measures be in place at all times. In addition, for the health of your spine, avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time or taking on weight bearing projects or tasks that may strain the spine. Take breaks often to stretch and relieve your back or neck from a strained or unrealized position. Exercise regularly. If you feel excessive neck or back pain, examine what is making it hurt more and try to stop repeating that particular position or activity. Visit with a doctor for the best recommendations for the symptoms you are experiencing.

What is the best treatment for spine pain?

Treatments for spine pain include medication, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, acupuncture and interventional procedures, both minimally invasive and fully surgical. Working with a chronic condition that is exasperated by your profession can be less than helpful.

What is the best career for someone with back pain?

Making use of ergonomic furniture, taking stretching breaks, as well as learning how to work safely in the office makes this career one of the top choices for back and neck pain sufferers. Self Employed This is a great career for someone suffering from back or neck pain. Not only do you set your own hours, you take breaks when you need to!

Can sitting at a desk hurt your back?

This is another job that involves both active and sitting time, but generally should not cause excessive strain on the spine. Administrative Assistant There are many pages and articles floating around that state working at a desk job can lead to chronic lower back and neck pain. While it is true that if you sit at your desk all day without taking ...

Is photography a back heavy job?

If you want to work under a photography company, photography is still a great choice since it is not usually a back-heavy profession and it offers opportunities for both inactive and active periods throughout the day.

Can you work on your back if you have back pain?

There are many people who deal with chronic neck or back pain on a daily basis, but they still need to work. You may be suffering, but the bills will not stop because of it. Undergoing treatment for back or neck pain is recommended for anyone experiencing pain. Treatments for spine pain include medication, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, acupuncture and interventional procedures, both minimally invasive and fully surgical.

What are the best ways to relieve back pain?

People with back pain are often limited in the type of activities they can manage while minimizing the pain. Some of the job requirements they need to avoid as much as possible include: 1 Sitting for long periods without a break 2 Standing for hours at a time without a break 3 Repetitive movements 4 Activities requiring twisting the spine 5 Heavy lifting or moving heavy objects 6 Activities that require a lot of bending and reaching 7 Regularly carrying a heavy object like a briefcase or computer satchel

What is the best job for a person with back pain?

The best jobs for people with back pain are those that do not put force on the back and give the person opportunities to move around throughout the workday. The best employers are those who provide accommodations as much as possible.

Why do people with back pain want to return to work?

They need to find jobs that are easy on the back because working with chronic pain is very stressful.

What are some activities that require a lot of bending and reaching?

Heavy lifting or moving heavy objects. Activities that require a lot of bending and reaching. Regularly carrying a heavy object like a briefcase or computer satchel. It may sound like this eliminates most jobs, but there are many options for people with chronic back pain.

How to avoid back pain?

The one thing to avoid is continuing to try to do a job that aggravates a back condition or causes back muscle fatigue, spine tension or more pain. It is imperative to take control of the situation. Do exercises to strengthen back muscles, ask coworkers for help with lifting heavy objects, take frequent breaks from sitting and utilize other steps to make work manageable.

What are the job requirements for people with back pain?

Some of the job requirements they need to avoid as much as possible include: Sitting for long periods without a break. Standing for hours at a time without a break.

Can you claim disability for back pain?

People who have chronic neck or back pain, or suffered a back injury and will not fully recover, may be qualified to claim disability under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physical impairment must substantially limit activities. In those cases, the employee can request a reasonable workplace accommodation for back pain.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Self-care measures you can try to relieve neck pain include: 1. 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). 2. Alternate heat and cold.Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel...

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