Most people experience neck pain from time to time without serious
consequences. The pain and discomfort of neck strain, however, can interfere
with daily tasks and make life uncomfortable, to say the least. By
understanding the underlying causes of their neck pain, people can begin
looking for solutions. In severe cases, individuals may need to consult a
medical specialist for relief.
Neck Pain Causes
Various factors can trigger the pain and discomfort of neck muscle strains.
Such factors include:
- Sitting in awkward positions for extended periods of
time, such as hunching over a desk or steering wheel of a car
- Not distributing weight evenly when carrying heavy
objects
- Sleeping on pillows that are too high
- Experiencing trauma to the neck area in an accident,
such as whiplash, or sustaining neck injury from a fall
People suffering from neck strain may need to limit sudden head or neck
movements until the healing process is done. Sometimes pain extends into the
shoulders, further restricting a person’s movements.
Neck Pain Remedies
Individuals suffering from minor neck pain San Mateo may find that their condition improves on its own after a
few days. In the interim period, people can often find pain relief through
simple self-care remedies.
For some people, applying cold packs to the area every 20 minutes or so
helps to reduce swelling, if any, and minimizes pain. In like manner, applying
heat to the area can get similar results. Many people find a hot shower or bath
quite effective in reducing neck and shoulder pain. A heat wrap can also be
used to stimulate healing results.
Over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs offer yet another
option for reducing swelling and discomfort. Depending on the extent of a
person’s problem, a mild massage may provide a healing touch to the area.
Getting Medical Intervention
When symptoms are severe or last longer than several days, people should
consider a visit to their physician to get expert diagnosis on their condition.
It’s particularly important to consult a doctor if neck pain creeps into the
arms or is accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness. Neck pain related
to a trauma such as a car accident or fall should be reported to a person’s
local physician right away.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a physician concerning physical
pain and discomfort to alleviate concerns of a more serious injury.
