Non-Surgical Neck Pain Treatments

While there are different causes of chronic neck pain, acute neck pain tends to be the result of some minor injury that strains or sprains the ligaments, tendons and muscles in the neck. 

Often in these cases, a series of non-surgical neck pain treatments may be employed to ease the pain and initiate a quick healing process (often as soon as a few days or weeks).   

Additionally, most chronic neck pain conditions can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatment options, and surgery is typically only an option if the pain is severe and/or limits the patient’s ability to function in everyday life.

Here are some common non-surgical treatments for neck pain:

• Ice and heat. Typically, alternating between ice to numb the injured area and heat to stimulate the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and heal the damaged tissues is an effective way to treat neck pain.  
• Chiropractic manipulation. With the goal of increasing range of motion, reducing nerve irritability and improving function, chiropractic manipulation is another possibility for effectively reducing or eliminating neck pain.  
• Medications. Multiple prescription and over-the-counter pain medications (including NSAIDS like ibuprofen) may be used to provide relief during the healing process.  
• Stabilizing Devices. Cervical collars, cervical pillows or neck traction may be recommended in some instances to stabilize the neck and improve alignment, especially when sleeping or relaxing at home. 

In this Guide:

• Neck Pain Overview
• Neck Pain Causes
• Non-Surgical Neck Pain Treatments
• Neck Pain Treatments: Surgery

Information provided by: Spine-health | Trusted Pain Relief Information

© 1999-2009 Spine-health

The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for medical advice in any way.  A licensed medical professional should be consulted for any and all medical conditions and symptoms.