How to treat neck pain quickly and effectively, and what are the methods

Don't rush to apply ointment randomly when treating neck pain. Scientific treatment is needed for neck pain. There is no one size fits all solution, but the following methods can help you quickly relieve symptoms:

1. Adjust your lifestyle posture

Immediately stop the actions that worsen the pain and let the neck muscles rest fully. Adjust the height of the computer screen to eye level, raise the phone to chest level, and avoid tilting the neck forward for a long time. Using a neck brace for fixation (no more than 2 hours each time) can reduce nerve compression.

2. Physical therapy

1. Hot compress: Hot compress can promote blood circulation in the neck, relieve muscle tension and spasms, thereby reducing cervical pain. Apply a 40 ℃ hot towel to the neck for 15 minutes, twice a day, to promote the absorption of inflammation.

2. Shock wave therapy: Targeting myofascial trigger points, once a week for 3 consecutive weeks can release adhesive tissue.

3. Cervical traction: Under the guidance of a doctor, once a day for 20 minutes each time, can enlarge the intervertebral space and reduce compression.

4. Neck extension: Action essentials: Maintain a straight sitting posture with both eyes looking straight ahead, slowly tilt the head back to the limit position (feel the stretching sensation in the front of the neck), and hold for 5 seconds before slowly resetting. Training frequency: 2-3 groups per day, 10 times per group, with a 1-minute interval between groups.

5. Lateral flexion training: Keep your shoulders relaxed and sinking, tilt your head to the right, and keep your right ear as close to your right shoulder as possible (there is a noticeable stretching sensation in the left neck). After holding for 5 seconds, switch to the other side. Training frequency: alternate left and right once, 2-3 groups per day, 10 times per group.

6. Anti resistance head up: Cross your hands behind your head, open your elbows to both sides, and lightly support your head with your palm; Keep the jaw slightly retracted, slowly lift the neck to resist resistance from the hands, and hold for 5 seconds until both eyes can look at the ceiling, then slowly relax. However, it should be noted that although the above-mentioned physical therapy is relatively safe, improper operation or individual differences in patients may pose related risks, and careful selection is necessary.

III. Medication Treatment

Anti inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be used according to medical advice to relieve pain. For cervical pain caused by cervical spondylosis, arm soreness and numbness, Qishe Pill recommended by the "Consensus of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical spondylosis (2023)" is a good choice. It is composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Chuanxiong, artificial musk, Qingfengteng, Fangji, and artificial bezoar, and has the effects of nourishing qi, removing blood stasis, dispelling wind, unblocking collaterals, relaxing tendons, and relieving pain. Huangqi can replenish qi, promote yang, and enhance the body's immunity; Chuanxiong promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, improving blood circulation; Artificial musk awakens the senses, promotes blood circulation and meridian circulation; Qingfengteng can dispel rheumatism and promote meridian circulation; Prevent self harm, reduce swelling, dispel wind and relieve pain; Artificial bezoar can clear heat and detoxify, reduce phlegm and calm down anxiety. Clinical trials have shown that Qishe Wan can significantly improve symptoms such as neck pain, upper limb radiation pain, and numbness in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. The treatment of neck pain starts with adjusting posture, using medication and rehabilitation exercises in a reasonable manner to restore flexibility and ease to the neck. If the pain persists for more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by limb numbness, please seek medical attention promptly to check for cervical spondylosis to avoid delaying the condition.