low back and neck pain
bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Neck Pain
Specific disorders are treated. Measures include Taking drugs that relieve pain Applying heat or cold to the painful area Modifying activities Light exercise as tolerated Most often, a sprain, muscle spasm, or other musculoskeletal injury is the cause of neck pain, and an Overview of Over-the-Counter Drugs , such as If more pain relief is needed, doctors may prescribe opioid analgesics, but, if prescribed, opioids should be used only for a short duration because long-term use of opioid analgesics can actually increase sensitivity to pain and cause side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and constipation, and risk the development of a Substance Use Disorders . Muscle relaxants, such as Avoiding aggravating activities, such as sitting for extended periods of time (particularly when also using a computer, phone, or other electronic device), may help. Using good posture and body mechanics when standing, sitting, lying down, or doing any activity is important. People are taught how to stand, sit, and sleep in ways that do not strain the neck. People who sleep on their side should use a pillow to support the head and neck in a neutral position (not tilted down toward the bed or up toward the ceiling). People who sleep on their back should use a pillow to support, but not raise, the head and neck. People should avoid sleeping on their stomach. People may also wear a neck brace (cervical collar) to keep the neck still and help relieve pain. Doctors or Physical Therapy (PT) may suggest stretching and strengthening exercises, including strengthening exercises for the upper back. People with pain that radiates into one arm and involves symptoms of nerve damage, such as arm and leg weakness, may require more intensive treatment. Traction can help. Corticosteroids, given orally and occasionally by epidural injection, have been used to reduce symptoms, but corticosteroid injections are controversial because they may not result in long-term improvement and can have side effects. For spasmodic torticollis, physical therapy or massage can sometimes temporarily stop the spasms. Drugs (including the antiseizure drugcarbamazepineand some mild sedatives such asclonazepam, taken by mouth) can usually relieve the pain. But drugs control spasms in only about one third of people. If the pain is severe or if posture is distorted, botulinum toxin (a bacterial toxin used to paralyze muscles) may be injected into the affected muscles. People who have a compressed spinal cord or spinal nerve due to a herniated disk in the neck and severe weakness or pain may require surgery. Surgical removal of the disk (diskectomy) and surgery to fuse vertebrae together (called cervical or spinal fusion) are the most common treatments. However, success rates are about the same for people who are treated with either nonsurgical or surgical options. The effectiveness of surgery for neck pain due to other disorders depends on the cause. 