Have you ever slept in an odd posture and woke up with a neck so stiff you couldn't look down to tie your shoes or spent a whole day bent over a desk only to stand up and realize how much it pained your neck? If you did, you probably stretched, took some medications, and prayed that the discomfort would go away by morning — or at least by the end of the week.
However, sometimes neck pain is caused by something more serious than improper posture. In many circumstances, the problem is unlikely to resolve, and it may worsen unless you get medical attention.
Read on to find out whether your neck ache requires an ice pack, a day of rest, or a doctor's visit.
Ways to Treat Neck Pain at Home
If your neck pain is caused by a major situation, like a car accident, you should immediately get professional medical attention. However, if moderate muscular aches or sprains cause your neck pain, you can manage it at home without visiting the doctor.
- Hot or cold compresses
Depending on the damage, you can use a hot compress or an ice pack on your neck. Heat relieves pain, relaxes stiff muscles, and reduces muscle spasms, whereas ice numbs discomfort and lowers swelling. Always wrap the ice pack in a cloth before applying it to your skin. - Stretching
If your neck is not stressed, moderate exercises can assist in relaxing stiff neck muscles. - Massaging
Gentle neck massage can help relieve stiff and tight neck muscles. - Rest
If you were injured while working or participating in a contact sport, continuing such activities will only increase your risk of additional injury. Resting your neck allows it to heal and prevents the damage from worsening. - Posture check
If poor posture causes neck pain, changing your posture can help prevent the injury from worsening or recurring. Make sure you are not hunched in your seat when working and attempt to sleep in a position that does not require you to curve your neck unnecessarily.
When Is Neck Pain Serious?
Assume you have recently developed neck pain. You're not sure if you should try to treat it at home or see a doctor right away. How can you determine whether your neck ache is serious? Fortunately for you, there are several clear symptoms:
- Persistence
Neck pain may take some time to resolve, depending on your injury's severity and the healing rate. However, if it lasts more than three weeks, it is usually indicative of a more serious condition than a simple sprain. - Tingling
Tingling and numbness in your neck, arms, or other portions of your body may indicate nerve injury, particularly when combined with general pain. - Severe
There is no such thing as comfortable neck pain. However, if the pain is strong enough to keep you up at night or prevent you from functioning, it may indicate a more serious problem. - Cancer history
Neck discomfort can occasionally be caused by brain or spinal tumors. If you have a history of cancer and are experiencing sudden neck pain, you should see a doctor. - Age
As you become older, you're more likely to acquire age-related illnesses like osteoarthritis. Neck pain after the age of 50 may be indicative of something more serious. - Accident-based
You will almost certainly consult a medical professional if you are involved in a serious accident, such as a car accident or a sporting event. If the accident resulted in severe neck pain or stiffness, see your doctor.
Additional symptoms
Not all medical problems are related to neck pain. However, if you begin to experience neck pain along with other symptoms that do not appear to be related, such as incontinence, you should see your doctor. A high fever, trouble breathing, and muscle weakness may signal a medical emergency.
Conclusion
If your neck pain fulfills any of the conditions listed above, you should immediately consult a doctor. You may find one by googling “neck specialist near me”.
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