Have you ever experienced a literal pain in the neck or back from which you were desperate for relief? You’re certainly not alone. Whether your pain has stemmed from a muscle strain or ligament sprain, or you suffer from a spinal condition such as spinal stenosis or facet disease, your pain and discomfort could prevent you from comfortably sleeping, sitting, standing, and performing various other actions. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to relieve your symptoms so you can resume your daily activities.

Medication

Before the subject of medication is breached, please keep in mind that you should always consult with your physician or pharmacist before you begin any drug regimen. That said, many patients can benefit from taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications interfere with the production of certain enzymes that play a role in the in the body’s inflammatory response, thereby relieving the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues of their pain and inflammation. If you suffer from a cardiovascular or gastrointestinal condition, be sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take NSAIDs. If not, ask your physician if you can take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen instead.

Thermotherapy & Cryotherapy

Thermotherapy and cryotherapy (sometimes referred to as heat therapy and ice therapy) can be a godsend for patients suffering from neck or back pain. Applying heat to an affected area can relieve muscle tension and aid in the healing process by drawing nutrient-rich blood to the area. On the other hand, applying ice can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. Some patients benefit most from exclusively applying either heat or ice, while others benefit from alternating between the two.

Lifestyle Modifications

In many cases, a patient’s overall heath can greatly impact his or her spinal health. For instance, did you know that tobacco use can prove detrimental to the spine? It’s true – smoking can contribute to the dehydration of the intervertebral discs, reduce bone density, and reduce the amount of collagen found in the joints. Alcohol abuse can also prove detrimental to spinal health because it can slow circulation, decreasing the amount of nutrient-rich blood that flows through the spine. Perhaps one of the most effective modifications that a patient can make to their lifestyle is to lose weight and become more physically active. Being overweight places unneeded pressure and strain on the back, which can significantly contribute to spinal deterioration and neural compression. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weak core muscles (the muscles in the back, abdomen, and pelvis) that are largely responsible for stabilizing the spine.

When to See Your Physician

If you’ve utilized the aforementioned techniques for several weeks or months only for your pain and discomfort to persist, you may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician or a spine specialist. What you thought was a “crick” in your neck or a pulled back muscle could actually be something more serious that may require surgical treatment.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications and is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including health and wellness. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: health and wellness