What should I do for neck pain?
Disease description:
Recently, I’ve been feeling discomfort in my neck. Upon waking up, my neck feels especially stiff and painful. I suspect it’s cervical spine pain—what should I do?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Ge
When experiencing cervical pain, it is recommended to rest adequately and minimize neck movement to prevent further aggravation of the pain. Local heat application may be tried for 20–30 minutes per session to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. If the pain is severe, pharmacological treatment—such as ibuprofen or indomethacin—may be used under a physician’s guidance, as these medications provide effective analgesia. Additionally, physical therapies—including ultrashort-wave therapy and infrared radiation—are commonly employed in managing cervical pain. Other supportive measures—such as using a massage pillow, performing gentle neck muscle massage, or stimulating acupoints—can also help alleviate discomfort. Should the pain persist or worsen, prompt medical consultation is advised; physicians may then recommend acupuncture or, in select cases, surgical intervention.
