Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, or others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are building blocks in the treatment of cervical disc disease because they reduce both pain and inflammation. Like acetaminophen, many NSAIDs are available without a prescription, but they should also be taken with care.
NSAIDs can have some serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney damage, especially when used for long periods of time. NSAIDs have also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Surprisingly, antidepressants can be effective medications for treating pain because they block pain messages on their way to the brain. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose your health condition and ensure that treatment for neck pain doesn't worsen your neck pain problem.
Because neck or shoulder problems have affected people for so long, many treatments for neck pain have been developed that require no medical intervention involved. Neck pain is one of the main symptoms of cervical disc disease, in which the discs between the vertebrae herniate or deteriorate, sometimes pinching the nerves. NSAIDs and other over-the-counter pain relievers can have side effects, such as an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. Even without a clearly diagnosed cause, current treatments can effectively relieve neck pain and help you learn how to prevent it from coming back.
In general, you should limit heavy lifting and activities that can aggravate your neck muscles every time you have neck pain. Exercises to relieve neck pain and stiffness are usually simple and can be done at home (or at the desk). Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers than you can buy without a prescription, as well as muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants to relieve pain. Many of these can help prevent injury and pain due to weak neck muscles or can relieve tension caused by stress.
You can treat stiff neck with stretching, over-the-counter pain relievers, and heat or ice, as well as maintaining proper posture while using your computer or phone. Most of the time, neck stiffness with mild pain can be treated at home with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and mild stretching. The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain tend to respond well to self-care within two to three weeks. If neck stiffness and pain started after doing physical activity, you should limit that activity until the stiffness disappears.
Neck pain may be mild and may not interfere much with your activities or daily life, or it can be severe and cause disability. Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce breakouts, although the evidence for this is not strong.
