Neck pain is no doubt an incredibly unpleasant experience. It can be anywhere from a minor nuisance to severe pain that affects your daily life. Sometimes, rest is enough to make the pain subside. However, other measures might be necessary if the pain persists.

This guide outlines the basics of the treatments you can explore if you want significant relief from your neck pain.

Rest and Relaxation

Taking a break from strenuous activities like heavy lifting and running can provide relief to an aching neck. You should try and reduce the amount of stress your put on your neck to give it a chance to heal.

Take frequent breaks from any activity which needs you to hunch over or requires physical strain. You can also try more relaxing activities, such as yoga and stretching exercises.

Pain Medications

Over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce inflammation in your neck. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are excellent examples. You can consult your doctor to:

• Assess the correct dosage
• Determine if the medication is suitable for your condition

Sometimes, prescription pain medications may also be necessary. Only take them at the advice of your doctor.

Heat/Cold Therapy

Applying either heat or cold to the affected area can help alleviate neck pain. Heat helps soothe and relax the muscles while cold alleviates inflammation.

You can try either or both to figure out which works best for you. But as a general guideline, cold works best to control inflammation, while heat works best to loosen the muscles.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is excellent for people experiencing chronic pain in their necks. A physical therapist can provide personalized exercises tailored to your specific condition. These exercises can help improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.

These exercises are targeted not just to reduce pain but also to help prevent further injuries. Aside from exercise, stretching is also beneficial in improving flexibility and motion.

Your therapist can help relieve your neck pain with the following modalities:

• Manual therapy – manipulation of the neck to relieve stiffness and tension
• Ultrasound – ultrasonic waves that help reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms
• Electrical stimulation – electrical pulses to reduce pain and increase blood flow
• Massage – applying pressure to the muscles and soft tissues to help reduce pain
• Support – braces or supports that help maintain proper alignment of the neck
• Patient education – learning about how to prevent pain in the future

Physical therapy focuses on the whole body and helps reduce neck pain from its root cause. Your therapist can also help you with body mechanics and proper posture. These are important for avoiding further damage to the neck.

Some cases of neck pain require surgery. If you need surgical procedures, you may benefit from post-operative physical therapy to:

• Regain your range of motion
• Rebuild your muscle strength
• Improve your posture
• Promote the safe and effective healing of your neck

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help alleviate neck pain. Surgery is rare and usually recommended only when:

• Other treatments have failed
• The condition is severe and worsening
• The neck is in danger of paralysis or nerve damage

Surgeries can involve:

• Fusing together vertebrae to reduce pain caused by abnormal movement
• Nerve decompression to relieve pressure on a nerve
• Removing bone spurs that cause pain and stiffness

The Best Treatment for Neck Pain

There is no one specific answer to neck pain. The best approach is to focus on long-term solutions through a combination of rest, physical therapy exercises, and medication.

Consult your doctor or physical therapist to plan the best treatment for your condition. They can also provide customized exercises to ease your neck pain and prevent it from returning.

Often, your provider will combine several treatments to achieve the best results. It’s important to be patient and follow their instructions. Even small changes can make a big difference in managing neck pain.

Neck Pain Treatment at H2 Health Florida Offices

Neck pain can be debilitating and frustrating, but you can regain your quality of life using the right treatment plan. The best approach is to consult a healthcare provider, like your physical therapist or doctor. They can help you create a personalized plan that will reduce your pain and promote safe recovery.

Most cases of neck pain resolve with rest, exercise, and support. Physical therapy is also best if you’re looking for a more permanent solution.

Need effective and comprehensive neck pain therapy in Florida? Our trusted physical therapists at H2 Health can help you experience pain relief. With the training and experience of our therapists, you can go back to your routine and do what you love.

You may contact our friendly staff at (800) 699-9395 to learn more about physical therapy for neck pain. Alternatively, you can use our convenient appointment request form to book a visit to our office nearest to you.

We offer complimentary injury and balance screenings to assess if you need physical therapy. Aside from our physical therapy clinics in Florida, we also have over 180 facilities in the United States for your convenience. We look forward to helping you enjoy relief from neck pain!