Any kind of pain in your neck can quickly become debilitating. It can make turning your head during the day difficult, which can make it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. If your neck is sore at night, then it’s often difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are a few ways to manage your neck pain so you get the relief that you need.

If your pain has persisted for some time, then you should consider visiting your doctor to find out if there is an underlying cause. Sometimes, an illness or an injury could cause significant pain without you knowing that anything is wrong until you have the proper examination performed. Once your doctor determines what’s wrong, then the proper treatments in the form of medications or therapy can be started.

Try to stretch your neck as much as you can during the day to prevent pain from occurring. If you can keep a firm grasp on how your neck feels and keep the muscles flexible, then you’ll usually see that there aren’t as many issues as there are if you sit or stand with your neck in one position all the time. Include rolling your shoulders and the upper part of your back as these are elements of your neck that many people forget about that can also cause pain in your neck.

Look at your sleep positions as these can sometimes be the cause of your neck pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as there’s no support for your neck. This position can even cause more pain as your neck is extended instead of being relaxed while you’re sleeping on your back or on your side. However, if you sleep on your back, you might notice that the muscles in your neck become tight. This could be the result of too much pressure or a loss of the curvature of your back. Your doctor can take X-rays and perform other examinations to determine if there are any issues like this that should be addressed. While your doctor might prescribe pain medications that you can take, you can use over the counter medications until you can get to the office. Alternate heat and ice on your neck by using a heating pad or ice pack. Avoid movements that are jerking, easing your neck from one side to the other.

To learn about more ways to manage your neck pain so you have comfort that you need during the day, feel free to reach out and make an appointment with Craig C. Callewart, MD PA. At our convenient locations in Dallas and Addison, our caring professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today  to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!