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Generalized Neck Pain Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The neck or cervical spine has 7 spinal bones that run from the base of your skull to the upper back. These spinal bones have discs in between them. Discs act as shock absorbers. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together. Many muscles surround and attach on these bones. Nerves come off of the spinal cord and exit out of small spaces in between the spinal bones. If any of these structures get injured or damaged, neck pain can happen. ‚  


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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.
  • Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
  • 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.
  • 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 the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
  • Use a soft neck collar for a short time only if your doctor suggests that you wear one. Wearing a neck collar too long can cause weakness in the neck muscles.
  • Consider using a special pillow to support your neck when sleeping. Do not sleep on your stomach.
  • Massage
  • Exercises for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening

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. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Relax muscles
  • Fight an infection

The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


You may need to rest for a while. 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 health problem gets better. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Injury to nerves, tendons, or blood vessels
  • Ongoing pain
  • Blood clots
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Arthritis
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Paralysis

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
  • Have headrests in the car at the right height. The middle of the headrest should be even with the upper parts of your ears.
  • Use good posture. Do not slouch.
  • Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
  • If you have a desk job, make sure your computer is at eye level and that you have a supportive chair. Read papers at eye level.
  • If you use the telephone often for your job, use a headset if possible. Do not hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.
  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
  • Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
  • Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
  • Always wear helmets for bikes and motorcycles.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of meningitis. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, upset stomach, throwing up, light sensitivity, very bad headache and neck stiffness. You may not be able to touch your chin to your chest. This is serious and life-threatening problem. This also may spread from one person to another. Call your doctor or go to an ER right away.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Weakness or numbness in arms or legs gets worse
  • You lose control over your bladder and bowels
  • 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 fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, or a very bad headache and neck stiffness.

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. ‚  

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