About this topic
The neck is made up of many parts. The top bones of the spine are in the neck. They are held together with strong bands of tissue called ligaments. Between the bones in the spine there are discs which act as cushions. Muscles, blood vessels, and nerves are all found in the neck as well. Together, all these parts support and control movement of the head. ‚
When a person has neck pain, there is a dull or stabbing pain, stiffness, and soreness in the neck. The pain can spread to the arms and back. When the pain in the neck lasts more than 6 months, it is called chronic neck pain. ‚
Pain drugs and physical therapy can often treat neck pain. Surgery is done only if the nerves inside the spine are compressed or if there is a tumor that needs to be removed. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to wear a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar. Keep this in place. Take it off only when your doctor tells you to.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this for 2 to 3 days.
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your back for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Get lots of rest. Use a pillow that will support your neck when you lie down.
- Do not try to look down or bend your head from side to side.
- Avoid sudden neck movements. If you need to look behind you, turn your body around, rather than moving your neck sideways.
- You may be taught neck exercises to do.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you are wearing a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax your neck muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
- You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor when it is OK to drive or return to work.
What problems could happen?
- Headaches
- Pain does not get better
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Support your back and neck. Use a high back chair. Practice good posture when you work at a table or in front of a computer.
- Be careful with sports like football, soccer, rugby, skateboarding, or other activities that may put you at risk of neck injury. Wear proper padding and safety gear.
- Use a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
- Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
- Practice good posture and proper techniques when lifting or doing exercise.
- Use a neck pillow for travel, such as in an airplane.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Headaches get worse
- Headaches not relieved by drugs you are taking
- Memory loss that gets worse
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Problems with your eyesight
- Loss of balance
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your arms, hands, or legs
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have numbness, tingling, or a loss of feeling in my arms, hands, or legs.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00231 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚