The good news is that most neck pain is mild and will go away on their own or with simple treatment. It can be caused by muscle or ligament strain, poor posture, or repetitive strain. Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days and only needs conservative treatment at most. Neck pain that lasts longer than several weeks will generally continue to respond to exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage, and watchful waiting, but steroid injections or even surgery are occasionally indicated.
Acute neck pain is very common and usually nothing to worry about. Tense muscles are often to blame, for example, after working at the computer for a long time, having been exposed to cold drafts, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. However, in many cases there is no clear cause. Acute neck pain usually goes away in about a week or two.
In some people, it reappears in certain situations, such as after work or intensive sports. Most neck pain goes away on their own within a few days. Very rarely is it a sign of anything more serious. In many cases, the pain on the left side of the neck will go away on its own or with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest.
See a doctor if the pain is severe, due to a recent injury, or if it lasts more than a week. Pain management therapy can help you manage pain so that it no longer dominates your daily life. Many of these can help prevent injury and pain due to weak neck muscles or can relieve tension caused by stress. Unless you're a doctor, it can be difficult to know when persistent neck pain is due to mild distension and when it's caused by a serious underlying problem that needs immediate attention.
Spending too much screen time, especially with poor posture, can cause physical problems such as eye strain, neck pain, and repetitive strain. The right treatment for neck pain depends on your condition, its severity, and your general health condition. Learn about the 4 types of neck pain and the differences between acute short-term pain and long-term chronic pain. If you spend hours leaning forward in front of your computer, holding a phone between your right ear and shoulder, or putting pressure on your neck muscles, you can end up with pain on the left side of your neck.
Exercises to relieve neck pain and stiffness are usually simple and can be done at home (or at the desk). Neck pain can also interfere with other daily activities, such as dressing or going to work, or any activity that involves turning your head, such as driving. Treating neck pain, including treating whiplash, often involves a combination of self-care, medication, exercise, and relaxation therapies. Most of the time, neck stiffness with mild pain can be treated at home with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and mild stretching.
Knowing the symptoms of neck pain and when to see a doctor can help find the cause and get a diagnosis. Stretching, lifestyle adjustments, and medications can help relieve muscle pain and tension in the neck. Constantly looking down on the phone can pull the neck muscles, put constant strain on them, and sometimes lead to pain. Detailed, clinically supported information on a variety of musculoskeletal pain conditions to help you better understand your musculoskeletal pain.
