Fact Checked
Neck pain is a common problem especially among the elderly. The neck muscles become strained due to poor posture either leaning over a computer or hunching over the work area. Osteoarthritis can also cause pain in the neck. Sometimes, neck pain can be a symptom of a serious condition.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TffT8b3Ych4″ width=”220″]Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page for head and neck pain / injuries is for educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage head, neck and spinal injuries register for a first aid course in you area today.
Symptoms
- Pain becomes severe when holding the head in one position for long periods of time such as driving or working at a computer.
- Spasms and tightness of the muscles
- Limited movement of the head
- Headache
Pain becomes severe when holding the head in one position for long periods of time such as driving or working at a computer.
If the symptoms becomes severe, still persists for several days, there is numbness and weakness or tingling sensation and spreads down the arms and legs, there is a need to seek medical help immediately.
Causes
- Spending many hours in a hunched position over the computer or reading in bed. Even gritting the teeth can strain the muscles of the neck.
- Wear and tear of neck joints with age
- Bone spurs found in the vertebrae of the neck presses the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord.
- Injuries that happens when the head is jerked backward and then forward which results to the straining the soft tissues of the neck.
- Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and meningitis
Treatment
- Take prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen to lessen the pain and inflammation.
- Apply alternately hot and cold compress. Cold compress helps lessen inflammation. All you have to do is wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply on the affected area at least 20 minutes several times every day and alternate with heat by taking a warm shower or use a heating pad on low setting. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin in order to prevent frostbite.
- Using hydrotherapy can lessen the pain and soreness of the affected area. Perform this procedure under the shower by running warm water over the affected area of the neck at least 3-4 minutes, then switch the shower to cold water and focus it on the same area of neck for 30-60 seconds. Perform this procedure several times in a day as needed. Hot water helps increase circulation in the area and lessens stiffness of the muscles while cold water helps in minimizing the inflammation. While performing this procedure, make sure the neck remains in a straight position and avoid turning the head in any direction.
- Take an Epsom salt bath to lessen the tension in the muscle and also helps in minimizing stress and pain. Epsom salt is a natural muscle relaxant that helps lessen pain and swelling of the affected area. In a bathtub filled with warm water, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt. Mix well until salt is dissolved and soak the body, especially the affected neck for 15-20 minutes every day until pain is totally healed. Avoid this procedure if suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes.
Was this post helpful?
Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve.