How to relieve neck pain
Disease description:
My neck has been hurting badly lately. There's a persistent soreness and distension at the back of my neck, which sometimes feels stiff. The pain worsens with even slight movement. Particularly after sitting in front of the computer for long periods or having a poor night's sleep, the pain becomes more severe. What should I do about this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Neck pain may be caused by prolonged poor posture, cervical degeneration, trauma, and other factors. Methods to relieve neck pain:
1. Improve posture: Maintain correct sitting and standing posture, avoid prolonged periods of working with the head lowered or raised high, and position the computer screen at eye level.
2. Take regular breaks: After every 45–60 minutes of work, get up and move around, and perform stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension.
3. Heat and cold therapy: Heat application can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, suitable for most patients with neck pain. A hot towel or hot water bottle can be used for 10–15 minutes each time. During acute episodes of neck pain, cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain.
4. Traction therapy: Cervical traction can widen the space between cervical vertebrae, reduce pressure on nerve roots caused by intervertebral discs, and thereby alleviate pain.
5. Massage therapy: Gentle neck massage can relieve muscle tension.
6. Medication: Such as ibuprofen capsules, celecoxib capsules, etc., which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, suitable for patients with mild to moderate cervical pain.
