How neck pain is treated depends on what the diagnosis reveals. However, most patients are treated successfully with rest, medication, immobilization, chiropractic, physical therapy, exercise, activity modifications or a combination of these methods.
For example, if pain is caused by inflammation as a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, you may be prescribed rest and a neck collar for a specified period of time, as well as medication to reduce inflammation. If medication is prescribed to reduce pain, it should be used only as directed and should not be taken for extended periods of time. In addition, remember that if you are prescribed rest, it is vital that you follow instructions carefully.
When neck pain persists or is chronic, you may be recommend a rehabilitation program that includes an exercise program and various types of physical therapy and/or chiropractic manipulation to help you relieve your pain restore function and prevent it from coming back.
Very few patients require surgery to relieve neck pain. For the vast majority of patients, a combination of rest, medication chiropractic and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Although very rare, surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disk or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury, to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.
Our physicians have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
If you are injured it is always best to have an examination as soon as possible to detect any indication of significant or hidden injury. It is not uncommon for the effects of an injury to show up days, weeks, months or even years after an injury.