(Newswire.net — May 25, 2021) —
Did you know that at any given time, between 10% and 20% of the population can suffer from neck pain? This makes it the fourth biggest cause of disability. But when it afflicts you, do you know how to treat and manage the pain?
Luckily, there are a number of ways that do not involve invasive surgeries. Read on as we discuss how to treat a neck injury.
Regulate Activities
Just carrying on with your daily activities is more than enough strain for an injured neck. Muscles and tendons need time to heal. This involves giving them plenty of rest.
Fit in time to rest your neck, either by laying down or supporting it when you are home and stationary. Do not take part in activities that will put pressure on it even more, such as exercise. Doing so could make the injury worse and increase the time needed to heal.
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat are tried and tested methods that work extremely well. However, people often get their use confused. Ice should reduce swelling and heat should aid the healing process.
Apply ice within the first 48 hours of the injury if possible. The cold temperature helps bring down swelling. If the injury is still swelling after 48 hours, you may choose to carry on.
If not, then heat should be applied. This increases circulation, allowing more blood to heal the area. Heat should be applied in ten to twenty-minute bouts with a rest period between.
Medication
Over-the-counter medication can help a lot. Any type of anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen will work excellently. You may also try some pain relievers, but make sure you do not use them to ignore the pain and overexert yourself.
Physical Therapy
After the initial period of dealing with a neck injury, if the injury lingers on you should consider physical therapy. This will help you get stronger and more flexible muscles in the neck, to better treat your ailment.
Physical therapy will involve a series of exercises and stretches done with a medical professional. After a while, these will be done in the home. See here for more information on this type of treatment and other ways to combat neck pain.
Massage Therapy
Massage can help with managing a neck injury by loosening up muscles and joints. It will also increase the flow of blood to damaged areas, aiding the healing process. You may also find that it is often combined with manual manipulation.
Neck Injury Manipulation
Manual manipulation is performed by medical professionals. They will adjust the lower and cervical spine. This can help reduce pain and increase the range of motion in the neck.
Speak to a Professional
Even though you know how to treat a neck injury, you should still speak to a professional. The wrong treatment could make the problem worse. Even if it is a minor ailment, it may grow into something serious if not properly tended.
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