BACK PAIN CLINIC
A sore neck can be very problematic and painful. It can cause pain from small movements, forcing you to hold your head still until it goes away. It can even bring a halt to your day until you can relieve the pain. What are the symptoms and causes of sore neck pain? How do you treat this pain? Here’s what you need to know about sore neck pain and what you can do about it.
How Serious is Your Pain?
There are a few symptoms that are most common with a sore neck. Pain that strikes or gets worse when you hold your head in a specific position is often the first sign of a sore neck. Sometimes, it gets better when you adjust to a different position, but other times, it progresses to a reduced ability to move your head at all. You may also experience muscle tightness, muscle spasms, and strong headaches.
There are several conditions that can cause sore neck pain, including:
- Muscle strains
- Worn joints
- Nerve compression
- Injuries
- Certain serious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, and cancer
Severe pain that lasts for several days, spreads to other parts of your body, or is accompanied by numbness or weakness should lead you to consult with your doctor. Any pain resulting from an accident or injury should also be brought up with your doctor.
At-home Treatments
You may not need to make an appointment with your doctor just yet. A few steps you can take at home include:
- Use cold and heat. Apply cold in the form of an ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. You can also apply heat by taking a warm shower or using a heating pad. Try alternating these two methods for the best results.
- Take over-the-counter medications for short-term relief. Try ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.
- Perform home exercises. Once the worst of the pain is gone, you can try stretching out your neck muscles. Neck rolls and shoulder rolls are good for this. Make sure to warm up your muscles first with a heating pad or shower.
Neck Pain Treatment by Longview Chiropractors
A chiropractor can help you with your sore neck pain. Dr. Rick Still at Family Chiropractic Care offers pain relief in Longview, Washington. Our office provides several services related to pain relief, including massage therapy and treatments for back pain, herniated discs, and various work- and sports-related injuries. We can also teach you corrective exercises for your pain. Contact Family Chiropractic Care today to find out how we can help you with your sore neck pain.