The cervical spine, which is the part of your spine in the neck, undergoes natural changes over time. These changes might lead to discomfort, stiffness, or pain that can affect daily activities. Here are several approaches to managing neck pain, ranging from simple lifestyle adjustments to more involved medical procedures:
Modified Lifestyle Changes
Making specific adjustments to your daily habits may help manage neck pain. Ergonomics, the science of arranging your environment to fit your body, plays a role in this. You might find that adjusting the height of your computer screen to eye level reduces strain on your neck during work, and it can also improve your overall comfort while working.
Simple changes to your posture throughout the day may also provide some relief. Sleeping position is another area to look at. Some people find that using a supportive pillow designed for neck alignment helps them wake up with less stiffness, and it can improve their overall sleep quality.
You could try sleeping on your back or side instead of your stomach, as the latter position can twist your neck. Paying attention to how you hold your phone or tablet can make a difference. Looking down for long periods puts extra stress on the cervical spine. Gentle, regular movement is another practical step you might take.
Physical Therapy
A specialist can guide you through exercises designed to address neck pain. They can evaluate your posture, strength, and range of motion, and then create a personalized plan for you. The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles that support the neck and to improve its flexibility, which can help alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
Your physical therapy sessions might include a combination of different techniques. A therapist may instruct you in specific stretches to help relieve tension. These stretches can also help increase the range of motion in your neck. Strengthening exercises, which target the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back to provide better support for your spine, are also a key component.
Spinal Injections
For some individuals, spinal injections are an option when other methods have not provided sufficient relief. A medical professional administers these injections directly into specific areas of the neck. One type is an epidural steroid injection. This medication is delivered into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. Another type is a facet joint injection. This targets the small joints located between the vertebrae, and it is typically used to diagnose or treat pain in that area.
Surgical Options
When nonsurgical treatments do not resolve neck pain, surgery might be discussed. A surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for a surgical procedure based on your diagnosis, and this decision will depend on your overall health. Two standard procedures include:
- Cervical disc replacement: In this surgery, a damaged or degenerated cervical disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. T
- Cervical fusion: This procedure involves removing a problematic disc and permanently connecting two or more vertebrae.
These operations are complex and involve a period of recovery. A surgeon will discuss the details of each procedure. They can help you understand the intended outcomes and recovery process.
Get Treated for Neck Pain
A range of treatments is available to address age-related changes in the neck. The first step is to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional who can help you understand the source of your pain. A precise diagnosis is the foundation for developing a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific situation. Contact a clinic today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward relief.
