Neck Pain – Management of Neck Pain Without Medication
Neck pain has the potential of bringing our daily lives to a halt. It hinders our ability to carry out regular daily activities that are often taken for granted such as bending over, reading a book or looking out of the window. Neck pain causes a lot of discomfort and may sometimes be unbearable. Many people often turn to medication to manage the pain. These drugs are often anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. They reduce the discomfort by easing the pain and reducing the symptoms of inflammation. Plain painkillers may also be administered to manage the pain including acetaminophen.
Pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs have several side effects some of which may make the patient feel worse than when they only suffered from neck pain. These side effects include nausea, drowsiness and dizziness. Many people would rather not take the pills but lack alternative treatments. The good news for people who don't want to take medication for neck pain is that there are various alternatives for its management.
The methods you use to deal with this pain will depend on the cause of the pain. Neck pain may be a result of diabetic nerve damage, injury or the presence of an infectious disease such as meningitis. If you have ruled out diabetic nerve damage and physical injury, you ought to seek a professional diagnosis to ensure that the pain is not as a result of an infection. This would require the immediate attention of a professional medical doctor.
Having established the cause of the neck pain you may proceed to administer an alternative method of managing the pain after consultation with your physician. Applying heat to the sore area is one of the most common methods of dealing with neck pain. You can use a hot water bottle or a towel dipped in hot water and wrung to leave a hot damp towel. Heat application encourages the flow of blood to the area therefore accelerating the healing of tissues in the area. It also prevents swelling as liquids forming within the injured area are quickly taken away by the fast flowing blood. This method also helps relax tensed muscles that may be aggravating the problem.
Physical therapy is also a common method of dealing with neck pain without using medication. Physical exercises specially designed to target the muscles in the neck help to strengthen the neck muscles. These exercises also strengthen the tendons in the neck. The overall strength and support in the neck is therefore greatly improved and the pain is reduced as a result.
Other alternative methods may be used to manage neck pain such as acupuncture and neck massages. These help relax muscles and soothe nerve endings. Aromatherapy is also increasing in popularity and may be used in combination with other alternative treatments to manage the pain.
Before you attempt to deal with your neck pain using an alternative method of management, ensure that you consult a qualified medical doctor to avoid making the situation worse.
Discuss different recovery methods with a doctor at Pain Physician Specialist.
Sources of pain and the various types are detailed at http://painandinjurydoctors.com along with the different types of doctors that can treat these injuries and pain.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Vreugde
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29 Responses to “Neck Pain – Management of Neck Pain Without Medication”
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I have just for a week ago been orapeted for a herniated disc between L4 and L5I had pain going from my bag and down my in my right leg for 2 months before I was orapeted. 6 weeks before I got the herniated disc i gave birth to a little baby girl. And I had to stop my breastfeeding since I had to take highdosis painkillers
Posted by Ashish | February 5, 2012, 4:44 pmMy job has me sttiing 10 hours per day and my hobbies on the weekend have me sttiing as well. I found much relief by turning my treadmill into a stand-up desk. I used a wire cooling rack from Wal Mart as a holder for my laptop. The cooling rack is lashed to the magazine holder on the treadmill and the laptop is held by the cooling rack so that the screen is at eye level. I lay a pre-cut wooden shelf from Home Deopt across the treadmill handrails. I connect a wired keyboard to my laptop so the keyboard is at a comfortable level.With this setup I can use my laptop for long periods while I walk on my treadmill. I set the treadmill speed slow enough that I can read, talk on the phone, and even eat comfortably. I can spend the majority of a day walking which does wonders for my back and allows me to get things done as well.My dad gave me a cheap inversion table that allows me to "hang" on it from a flat level up to a full upside down position. It only takes a little bit laying with my head below my feet to also help my back. Even a 10-20 degree declination is helpful. Don't do this after eating.
Posted by Fransshiwu | February 6, 2012, 10:07 pmBack pain is usually casued by muscle or ligament strain, but it may also result from some form of damage or injury to the spine, nerves, discs or bones. To mobilize and strengthen the muscles, reduce pain, increase flexibility and improve function, is recommended.
Posted by Adriana | August 28, 2012, 12:20 pmSome people sleep on their back, and put a pilolw under your knees. personally i think sleeping on your side would feel better, and put a pilolw between your knees.Also, heat should be soothing use a heating pad, or hot water bottle. They sell thermacare wraps in stores, which you peel off the strip and stick it on your lower back. They warm up and stay warm for up to 8 hours, which is nice to be able to have on at work/school.Although you do not want medicines if the pain is muscular (which it probably is), ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory, and will help.best wishes
Posted by Ikuko | November 12, 2012, 12:03 amLower abdominal pain and lower back pain on the right side?I just rcveoered from a headache for 3 days, I am not taking any medicines I am breastfeeding about twice a day because I am ready to wean her but I have been having this pain for a couple of hours and I don’t know what it could be?? I don’t need to move my bowels and it doesn’t feel like a tummy ache just feels like cramping pain, and my skin is hot when I touch my stomach. Any Ideas?
Posted by Mari | November 13, 2012, 4:49 amMigraine is often anger-related. It may be all kinds of anger.What you can try is have her lie down on a bed and hold her outer ankles (between ankle and heel).You can do this 10 metinus with arms crossed and 10 metinus with arms normal.Ask her what feels best.Make yourself comfortable when you do it, be sure you take care of your back, eventually sit on a pillow.Eventually you can find a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner in your neighbourhood and try what effect this has on your mom. The practitioner will give selfhelp that is very suited to her project.You can also hold the inner ankle (between ankle and heel), and with the other hand hold toe per toe of that foot for 3 metinus per toe.Do both feet, That makes 30 metinus.See what the effect is. Ask her. Stick to one application and do it several days, you can do it up to 2 times a day.Only in this way, you will know what is the effect for her, now.Then you try the other application for some days, and see what is the effect on her.Another application she can simply do on herself is : Not particular for migraine, but it will help your applications to work properly through the body.Hope this may serve you well.Good luck.
Posted by Kryptonita | November 13, 2012, 5:38 amUsually is within 30-45 munites. If you do not feel relieve within the next hour, it is not working for you. If you took OTC med, it is not strong enough for tooth ache that needs a root canal. Call your dentist and ask for advice.
Posted by Beautty | November 11, 2012, 7:06 pmwhat can my boyfriend do for rlelay bad lower back pain?My boyfriend was in a bad accident and got surgery and ended up getting rods and screws in his lower back in late may.. he was in an inpatient rehab for a month and then an out patient rehab for 2 months.. i was wondering if any medicine or anything at all possible could help with the pain?it hurts so much to see him in so much pain and anything that will help.. please.
Posted by Evelyn | November 13, 2012, 5:25 amHello Amy,I was very sad to read about your sister being in tpaoihsl. It isn’t nice to be in pain and wanting it to stop.I hope Katie is able to feel better soon so she can be home with the people she loves. That would be a wonderful Christmas gift.Ross Mannell (teacher)NSW, Australia
Posted by Tasneem | April 5, 2012, 3:50 pmwhy would the two be related, ulenss your going into anaphylacitic shock caused some muscle sprains more likely it is pure back. have you also considered a chiropractor? I had back problems, and the pt certainly helped strengthen it, but did nothing for the pain. have you ever done yoga? a highly trained teacher may show you things to help stretch and also to relax. are you on any muscle relaxants? I would think that would be of use also I wish you good health.
Posted by Meriem | April 6, 2012, 12:36 amThere is no such thing as a “functioning” alcoholic. There are only alcclohios who destroy themselves and those around them. Your kids are already in counselling, for sake! Are you seriously going to force them to grow up in the toxic environment they are in now, simply because you leave him”? If the case, do better to give up your kids to Child Protective Services voluntarily. You obviously do not have their best interest in mind.
Posted by Maya | August 28, 2012, 8:50 pmThe best relief I have found aside from ceitarn medications excercise and massages. I have also found a wonderful new thing called floating. Its a capsule that has tons of salt in it and about 10 inches of water and you float. Like you would in the Dead Sea. I came out of the floating session feeling like a new person, I kid you not!
Posted by Muslim | August 31, 2012, 2:32 amHi Buff me, the Zymosine is not a medication for Arthritis, it is a suleppment, all natural products and definitely you could try it out and see if it works to relieve the pain. Certainly if it does work it is far better for you than taking medication.The ingredients in this product seem to be Devil’s Claw Root Extract, Bromelain, Boswellia Serrata Extract and Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM and finally Boron.The first 3 items listed are natural anti inflammatories, then the combination gluc/chon/msm is to protect and repair the joints and Boron helps the body absorb and utilize minerals in the diet more efficiently.If you try this product I’d love to hear your results!Best of luck to you.
Posted by Ilda | November 11, 2012, 10:16 pmThat doesn’t sound normal. I’ve goettn tattoos on my thigh, upper arm, and ankle, and never had any pain AFTER the tattoo, only during the tattooing. If you still have pain by 7 PM on Wednesday (to the degree you described) I would see a doctor.
Posted by Zegeye | November 13, 2012, 8:05 amI have developed sueddn lower back pain and pain in the groin?Till Friday evening i was as usual with busy schedule. However, sueddnly saturday morning i experienced sueddn backache, lower portion and pain in both groins making me immobile. I could not even bend a little. The situation was really bad as i could only lay down straight. What is it and why this sueddn happening After taking pain killers and hot water foamentation i have got a little relief. will i become normal and what specific medicines to take could anybody please explain.
Posted by Obi | November 12, 2012, 2:18 amHow to find treatment for Lower Back Pain?My wife is seffuring from lower back pain for past 3 months still the pain persists. We had done aryurvedic treatment, but of no use. Then we went to a neurologist now having his medicines. But still the pain persists. The pain started after doing some cleaning work at the house for a long time. Can anybody suggest any good remedy or suggest some good doctors for treatment?
Posted by Raul | November 13, 2012, 5:04 amI hope she’s better soon Amy.Also, what a thhugotful post! You’re obviously a very good sister- I know if my sister was poorly I’d be just as upset as you are. I’m sure the hospital will give her the best possible care.Miss Witham
Posted by Rizwan | April 6, 2012, 9:08 amHi Fox, Aunt Betty and Uncle Art are glad your tube is removed and you are retnisg. You are lucky you have a bed that Mommy and Daddy can share. We love you and want you to know: If you ever need us, just have Mommy or Daddy call. Be patient, for each day will be a new experience. But when you grow up and become a big boy, the only thing you will remember is that everyone love’s you so very much. So, be strong and let your body heal. Give our love to Mommy and Daddy. Love, Aunt Betty and Uncle Art.
Posted by Gary | November 11, 2012, 10:22 amFirst and foremost, blaromyfigia IS a real illness. There is at least one specific test that is used as part of making a differential diagnosis. I’m shocked that the first respondant here doesn’t want to understand and accept this for a fact. Further, although it wouldn’t be used simply because of it’s cost, there are specific tests that can be done during a functional MRI that shows the differences in pain responses between an FM patient and a non-FM patient.Have you ever seen a chiropractor for an evaluation and help? It is possible to get some help from a DC, but it’s not for everyone. I have other types of arthritis, in addition to FM, so it may be that I would get more relief from a chiro than does someone else. But it’s something to try.Have you been referred to a pain clinic? This would be a way for you to get a more updated combination of meds and to help to find other specific management methods that will also be of assistance to you.And when did you last see a rheumatologist? Yes, FM exists, but there are a few other types of arthritis that can mimic some of the effects of FM and that are more easily dealt with. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have FM or that you’re not in pain, it’s just a way of checking that there isn’t anything else going on. Having any one chronic illness does not make you immune from any other type of medical problem, inlcuding other chronic illnessesMake certain that you stretch and exercise (to tolerance) every day. Doing all of this in heated pool, as a part of an arthritis aquafit program, can do wonders to help relieve some of the pain, and to increase flexibility. It’s also a way to get out on a regular basis, and that helps greatly, too.
Posted by benjamin | April 6, 2012, 6:17 pmI have FMS along w/systemic lupus, hypothryoid, stiensos, etc, etc. I take many different medications- pain meds, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, sleep meds, anti-depressant, etc.Exercise is also an important part. While it hurts to get started, it ends up helping .Those who say it doesn’t exist are the type who say it’s all in your head it must be your period and crap like that. We’ve all had to deal w/that.Try to find a doctor who understanding and understands the disorder. Make sure all other problems have been ruled out especially if you were dx’d 17 yrs ago.There are a lot of new meds that are helping a lot of people.Chronic pain has some nasty long term side effects and no doctor should ever dismiss your pain.Take careNicole
Posted by Katy | August 29, 2012, 5:16 ami have tattoos on top of both of my feet and they swole and i liempd around for about a week. i hope you aren’t wearing shoes or socks on your newly tattooed foot because you will likely make it ache and swell more and you’ll also probably mess up your tattoo in the long run as well. it’s best if you elevate the foot for the first couple of days as much as possible to reduce the swelling.
Posted by Titha | November 13, 2012, 7:38 amI empathize with you, been there for many years.The only thing that has heelpd is a core of exercises that were specifically related to my type of back pain, not the general exercises that are usually given.I do them upon awakening, mainly three, that really do the trick. If I skip a few days or sit too long, wham, the pain returns. But I can instantly get rid of it.The key is finding which exercises that pinpoint and stretches the area that is stiff and everyone’s area of pain is different.Depending upon what is causing your back pain, it may only be controlled and not totally eliminated. But you must do something on your own daily, and it should be the correct thing.Just a note, I do visit an excellent massage therapist who gives me deep tissue massages in the areas when I really overdue it, and am suffering from the pain. I personally can’t stress enough how tremendous this is when you find the best therapist for your pain. Once again, pain gone.Check out below one of the best resources I’ve used now for the past 3 years that assisted me in pinpointing my trouble spots and thereby ridding me of the pain.You can be heelpd.Best to you
Posted by Maeson | November 11, 2012, 8:39 pmDear Audra:Tears came to my eyes as I read this. I have been healing the past year or so from some of the beartyal by friends that I trusted. In fact, it resulted in us leaving our home church of 18 years. BUT, God has been so faithful throughout it all. We have a new and exciting church home, while not perfect, is the perfect place for us right now. I can look back now and see that maybe the only way He could have made us move to the place where He wanted us was for us to go through this experience. AND, I learned again that I can always only trust HIM. HE is my rock and my fortress, my ever present help in times of trouble and heartache. HE promises to be close to the brokenhearted, and I know that He is.I pray that your week this next will be better and you will be able to see His light at the end of your tunnel!Your sister in Christ,Teri
Posted by Fahmie | November 13, 2012, 7:34 amPlantar fascitis comes 1st then you get a heel spur. I naigmie you have fascitis. Before you get out of bed in the morning, do calf stretches for a couple minutes before you get out of bed. Wear a to bed. It will help.
Posted by Akio | April 7, 2012, 11:59 amHi ChristineWelcome to our site Even I had the same problem when I was your age. I used to play foabotll and later would get acute pain in the joints. Do you have joint pain or is it just muscle pain?If its just muscle pain, just ignore it. You’ll be fine in one or 2 days. Hope this helps +16Was this answer helpful?
Posted by Janielsom | November 11, 2012, 6:48 amDoll you got to try this . i had same thing . i got this chair it is called the abb leungor . now anytime i start hurting i sit in it . it bends me backwards . with some breathing and lots of pain at first i soon found relief . i bought mine second hand for like 40 bucks a new one if like 200 . but i love it . you suppose to do like sit ups with it . but there is no way i will .
Posted by Maritza | November 13, 2012, 5:26 amI am 69 years of age, and a treadmill is not going to get rid of scoamth fat. I have never in my life bought anything from a tv shop commercial, but I did buy a AB DOER TWIST from that source, and I must admit it does the trick very well. I have two bad knees and had a hip replacement and walking was not comfortable and the weight loss was not worth mentioning. Now I am fitter and doing well.
Posted by Red | November 11, 2012, 7:23 amsounds like it messed with your hermonos which includes the adrenal glands. They regulate energy, and when they get depleted the lower back will hurt. Period time doesn’t help either. there are supplements you can take for it, you can find info on this site, read about the adrenal glands. And, get the back pain secrets, there’s stuff there not on his site. It’s free too.
Posted by Nawel | November 12, 2012, 1:21 amI purchased my Precor 9.21i over 8 years ago and have used it almsot daily since then. It appears this model is an updated version of that machine, so it should give you some idea of what to expect. There have been no maintenance problems; once a year, my husband takes the front cover off and vacuums it out. Conversely, my son-in-law purchased a True treadmill two years ago and has had to have repeated repairs. I looked at all the treadmills out there before purchasing this one. I found its ergonomics to be superior to others I’m 5’2 tall and some of the models had handrails that were very uncomfortable for my size. I use my treadmill on the manual setting and like the fact that if I’m interrupted it doesn’t go into a sleep mode and lose my time/distance. I generally walk at 3.4 mph and a 15% incline having reduced my speed from 4 mph and a bit lower incline due to aging feet. One of the factors that weighed into my decision was the fact that Precor allows a greater incline than some others. If you are going to spend the money on a good treadmill, I definitely recommend the Precor models.
Posted by Gloria | November 13, 2012, 5:04 am