Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for neck and shoulder pain

by Aubrey Kuvalis Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How Are Neck and Shoulder Pain Treated? The treatment of soft tissue neck and shoulder pain often includes the use of anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn). Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also be recommended.Apr 19, 2021

Healthline.com

1. Anti-inflammatory medication...

2. Cold compress...

3. Compression...

4. Heat therapy...

5. Muscle relaxants...

6. Pain medication...

7. Rest and activity modification...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

1. Cold Compress...

2. Hot Compress...

3. Compression and Elevation...

4. Massage...

5. Exercise...

6. Acupressure and Acupuncture...

7. Rest...

8. Vitamin D...

Learn More...

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. ...

How to relieve pain from neck and shoulders?

When essential oils don't work, try these 5 ways to relieve back and neck pain

  • Move more. It's no secret that exercise helps to reduce stress. ...
  • Start (or hone) your practice. It might feel trendy, but yoga isn't just for hippies and Instagram influencers. ...
  • Stretch, stretch, stretch. ...
  • Practice mindfulness. ...
  • Talk to a professional. ...

What is the best exercise for neck and shoulder pain?

Video Transcript

  • Stand straight, raise the right hand and elbow, and place it on a nearby wall or door jamb.
  • While keeping everything else still, rotate the head to the left about 45° (which is about halfway toward the shoulder).
  • Tilt the chin downward to the left collarbone until a good stretch is felt on the back right side of the neck.

More items...

What is the best home remedy for shoulder pain?

Treating and Managing Shoulder Pain

  • Easy remedies at home. Treating shoulder pain often involves soothing inflammation (swelling and redness) and strengthening muscles.
  • Shoulder exercises and stretches. Regular exercises and stretches can keep your shoulder strong and flexible. ...
  • When to see a doctor. ...
  • Preventing shoulder pain. ...
  • At the doctor’s office. ...
  • Common causes. ...
  • The takeaway. ...

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How do you relieve neck and shoulder pain?

Treating neck and shoulder pain at homeTake a break from sports or other activities that may aggravate the area.Use an ice pack on the area for the first three days after your pain starts. ... Apply heat using a heating pad or warm compress.Take OTC pain relievers.More items...•

What is the fastest way to relieve neck and shoulder pain?

For minor, common causes of neck pain, try these simple remedies:Apply 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. ... Keep moving. ... Gentle massage. ... Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow. ... Use a soft neck collar.

What is the best treatment for neck and shoulder pain at home?

Heating pads, ice or cold packs, and TENS Therapy (aka electrotherapy) are natural ways to get relief from neck and shoulder pain.

How long does it take for neck and shoulder pain to go away?

Neck and shoulder pain can have a variety of causes (see table). Mild to moderate neck pain usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks with OTC therapies.

What is the best medicine 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. 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 should I sleep with neck and shoulder pain?

Try to lie on your side or back. Have the bottom pillow supporting your shoulders and the top pillow supporting your neck. Hug a pillow, as this will put your top shoulder in an open position. Tuck the pillow up high under the arm.

What is the fastest way to relieve shoulder pain?

Home CarePut ice on the shoulder area for 15 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days. ... Rest your shoulder for the next few days.Slowly return to your regular activities. ... Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) may help reduce inflammation and pain.

What is the best painkiller for shoulder pain?

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help. Rest.

What is a natural remedy for shoulder pain?

Cold compress Cold compresses can help reduce swelling in the shoulder. Cooling also helps to numb sharp pain. Apply an ice pack for up to 20 minutes, up to five times a day. Use a frozen gel pack, ice cubes in a plastic bag, or a bag of frozen peas.

How do I know if my neck and shoulder 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.

What kind of doctor should I see for neck and shoulder pain?

If you have neck pain, an orthopedist may be the right specialist to see. An orthopedist is a highly trained surgeon, knowledgeable about the skeleton and its structures. When it comes to treating neck pain, many patients consider orthopedic care the gold standard.

When should I see a doctor for neck and shoulder pain?

Schedule an office visit Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.

What to do if your neck hurts?

If your neck/shoulder pain comes with troubling symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or weakness in the limbs, be sure to get immediate medical attention. If your pain is persistent, getting worse, or interferes with sleep or daily activities, talk to your doctor about it.

What to expect when you go to the doctor for neck pain?

When you go to the doctor complaining of neck and shoulder pain, expect a physical exam involving movement of the neck and shoulder so your doctor can see what's causing your pain and gauge your range of motion. Then, you may be sent for imaging studies, which can include: X-rays: To look at the bones and joints.

How to tell if you have cervical radiculopathy?

These nerves travel between the neck vertebrae, through the shoulder, and down the arm. 2 Cervical radiculopathy symptoms include: 3. Sharp or tingling pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. Sharp or aching pain in your neck when you look up. Headaches in the back of your head. Numbness.

What is the most common type of neck pain?

Cervical Radiculopathy. One of the most common types of neck and shoulder pain is cervical radiculopathy, 1 in which pain comes from compression or irritation of spinal nerve roots (the part where the nerve splits off from the spinal cord).

What happens when your neck hurts?

When you have neck pain, you may find that the muscles of your shoulders lose their strength. This, in turn, can lead to painful shoulder impingement and/or problems in your shoulder blade (the scapula). 15

Why does my collarbone hurt?

Most broken collarbones are the result of falling on the shoulder itself or landing on an outstretched arm. 11. In addition to considerable pain and loss of function in the arm and shoulder, a broken collarbone can cause pain in the soft tissues that extend from the shoulder up into the neck.

What is the relationship between the neck and the shoulder?

The neck and shoulders are complex and interconnected areas , and medical problems that affect one often affect the other, as well. Pain and dysfunction from injuries or conditions that impact the joints, muscles, and other structures can easily spread from the neck to the shoulder (s) and from the shoulder (s) to the neck.

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Causes

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With a neck and shoulder pain combination, the underlying causes can be a wide variety of things, including some that originate in the neck and others that originate in the shoulders. Some of the more common ones include: 1. Cervical radiculopathy 2. Broken collarbone 3. Shoulder bursitis 4. Shoulder blade injury 5. …
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Diagnosis

  • When you go to the healthcare provider complaining of neck and shoulder pain, expect a physical exam involving movement of the neck and shoulder so your healthcare provider can see what's causing your pain and gauge your range of motion. Then, you may be sent for imaging studies, which can include: 1. X-rays: To look at the bones and joints 2. Computed tomography (CT) scan…
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Treatment

  • Most neck and shoulder injuries are treated conservatively, at least at first. Common treatments include:1920 1. Rest 2. Ice and/or heat 3. Immobilization, such as with a splint or brace 4. Pain medications 5. Corticosteroid injections 6. Physical therapy If these approaches don't work, some conditions may require surgery. Surgery is more likely if...
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can cause sharp pain in your neck and shoulder when breathing?
    A couple of conditions can cause pain in the neck and/or shoulder when you take a deep breath, including: 1. Pleurisy (swelling in the lining around the lungs and chest cavity): Symptoms include sudden chest pain that may be felt only while coughing or breathing deeply, fever, cough, and sh…
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A Word from Verywell

  • The neck and shoulder are so connected and integrated with each other that just about any cause of pain in one area can cause pain in the other. If your neck/shoulder pain comes with troubling symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or weakness in the limbs, be sure to get immediate medical attention. If your pain is persistent, getting worse, or interferes with sleep or …
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