VWB Blog Chronic neck pain can cause long-term issues such as anxiety, poor concentration, mood swings, memory difficulty, insomnia, and irritability.
This is why taking care of the problem before it turns into chronic pain is essential. If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you’re not alone.
Are you suffering from acute or chronic neck pain and want to learn how to relieve it? This is your ultimate guide on how to treat chronic neck pain.
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic neck pain. A physical therapist can create a tailored plan of exercises, stretches, and strengthening techniques to help reduce neck pain and improve motion.
Manual therapy techniques used in physical therapy for chronic neck pain may include;
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft Tissue Mobilization is an effective way to treat chronic neck pain. It is a form of manual therapy that helps to restore function, decrease pain, reduce or cut scar tissue, spinal decompression therapy and increase range of motion.
Joint Mobilization
It is an effective, safe, non-invasive treatment that uses gentle and specific movements at varying speeds. It forces you to restore movement and reduce pain. It can help to break up any restrictions or adhesions in the neck tissue.
Myofascial Release
It focuses on treating the muscles and other soft tissues to relieve the pressure and dysfunctions causing the pain. The technique involves applying slight pressure to the involved area, then stretching or moving a muscle in specific directions to cause a release of tension.
Trigger Point Release
One way to treat chronic neck pain is with trigger point release. It is an effective solution for relaxing tight, pinched muscles and other tissue in the neck muscles.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an effective way to treat chronic neck pain. Massage therapy helps reduce inflammation. It improves the neck’s range of motion and flexibility.
The massage therapist can use various techniques depending on the person’s condition. It includes Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and trigger point therapy.
Deep tissue massage can help with pain solutions and stiffness, while Swedish massage can stretch tight muscles and tendons. Massage therapy is an excellent complement to chiropractic care for chronic neck pain. It can help reduce tension, improve strength, and increase mobility, enhancing the quality of life.
3. Heat or Cold Therapy
Heat or cold therapy can help treat neck pain. Heat can relax tight muscles, stimulate blood flow, and reduce stiffness.
Applying a heating pad, taking a hot shower or bath, or getting a massage with heated stones can help relieve tension. Cold therapy can help reduce swelling, ease muscle spasms, and slow nerve impulses.
Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the aching neck area for 15-20 minutes several times throughout the day. Alternating heat and cold can also provide relief; use heat for 15 minutes followed by 15 minutes of cold.
Never apply heat or cold to the skin; use a cloth or towel to divide the two. Always check with a healthcare professional before using heat or cold therapy, as every situation differs.
4. Medications
Medications can treat and relieve discomfort when dealing with chronic neck pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen are often used.
It reduces swelling and reduces pain. Muscle relaxants, like cyclobenzaprine, may relieve spasms and improve sleep quality. Topical medications, such as creams and patches, are also available and can provide some temporary relief.
Additionally, corticosteroid injections can target specific areas of inflammation. It provides temporary pain relief. Speaking to your doctor about the medications you are considering and discussing potential risks is essential.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most common treatments for chronic neck pain. It involves inserting thin needles into the body’s meridian points, which are believed to be connected to different body areas.
In some cases, acupuncture promotes healing. It is by decreasing inflammation and tension in the affected neck muscles.
Additionally, it can relieve pain by blocking signals from the neck to the brain. Many patients have claimed to feel a decrease in pain levels within two to three acupuncture sessions.
Furthermore, acupuncture not only targets the source of neck pain. Thus, it also helps reduce underlying neck pain causes, such as stress, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT allows individuals to identify thought patterns and behaviors. It helps contribute to their chronic neck pain. It helps them develop more positive thinking patterns and behaviors.
It changes and replaces the negative ones. For example, CBT can help individuals recognize how catastrophizing. It can exacerbate their chronic neck pain.
CBT also helps individuals learn relaxation techniques and other stress management skills. It helps to reduce neck pain. It also helps people develop healthy coping and self-care strategies.
It improves their symptoms. Besides, CBT helps individuals learn to give themselves proper emotional support and skills to avoid relapses.
These strategies can be very beneficial in assisting individuals. It reduces and manages their chronic neck pain.
7. Surgery
Surgery for chronic neck pain is often considered when nonsurgical treatments have proven inadequate in relieving symptoms. This may include invasive procedures such as endoscopic discectomies, spinal fusion, anterior cervical discectomy, and corpectomy.
All these procedures can reduce pain and improve/maintain functionality. In some cases, neck surgery has also reduced the need for long-term pain medications.
Also, to the possible benefits of neck surgery, there may be certain risks that should be discussed with a physician before surgery. These may include infection, neurological deficits, and stroke.
Knowing these potential risks can help a patient make an informed decision when considering any treatment option.
Start to Treat Your Chronic Neck Pain Now
Chronic Neck Pain can be debilitating, but relief is possible with the right combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medicinal treatments. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your case.
Don’t suffer from chronic neck pain any longer – make steps today to improve your well-being.
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