What should I do for neck pain?

Jul 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been experiencing frequent pain in my cervical spine recently. I would like to ask the doctor, what should I do for cervical spine pain?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Neck pain can be caused by various factors such as prolonged poor posture, muscle strain, cervical spine degeneration, or cervical spondylosis. Below are some initial self-management suggestions: 1. Rest and Posture Adjustment: Avoid prolonged低头 (looking down), get up and move around every hour, perform neck stretching exercises, improve sitting and sleeping postures, and use an ergonomic pillow. 2. Heat and Cold Therapy: Initially, try cold compresses (such as ice packs) to reduce swelling; after 24–48 hours, switch to heat therapy (such as warm towels) to promote blood circulation. 3. Gentle Massage and Stretching: Gently massage the neck muscles and perform stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders to help relax tense muscles. 4. Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but should be used according to the instructions. These are preliminary self-management measures. If the pain persists or worsens, be sure to consult a doctor.