Coping with Neck Pain

Neck pain is very common among older adults. The best treatments include pain medications and therapeutic exercises.

Neck pain is one of the most common, frustrating strains and is particularly prevalent among older adults over the age of 50.  These pains are classified as occurring anywhere in the neck region, from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulders.  Pains in the neck most often cause limited rotational movement and headaches.

The most common causes of neck pain come from repetitive movements or positions, such as poor posture or slouching, which adds strain to the muscles of the neck.  If, for instance, you suspect that the pain is being caused by repetitive strains from office activities like typing or straining to see the computer, be sure to modify your activities and take frequent breaks to move your neck and hands in different motions.  Try stretching the muscles of your hands outwards to increase circulation, and rotate your head to the right and left, holding for a few seconds to feel the stretch. 

Video: Yoga for Neck Pain

Added pressures in the neck can also cause muscle spasms or swelling in the region.  In some instances, neck pain can stem from a more serious condition or injury, like rheumatoid arthritis or a fall.  When longer lasting and chronic symptoms are present, the pains may be stemming from long-term conditions like anxiety or depression.  Pains resulting from scar tissue from older injuries may require more long-term treatment plans.  The approach for such chronic pain is one of lifestyle management for the condition.  Your doctor will likely recommend a holistic plan of medications, daily exercises, and stress-reducing techniques like yoga.  If you are experiencing persistent neck pain, it's important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms in order to find the right treatment plan.  Your doctor will be able to assess the severity of your pain while also diagnosing its likely cause.

Treatments for Combating Neck Pain

Treatment for neck pain depends on the type and severity of pain a person is suffering from and whether the pain is being caused by a one-time injury, a longer-lasting medical condition, or by certain repetitive activities.  For neck pain that seems to appear sporadically and randomly, many doctors recommend anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen or aspirin) or acetaminophens (such as Tylenol).  These over-the-counter medications are often recommended with simple home treatments like placing an ice pack on the affected sore area for intervals of time to reduce and numb pain and any swelling of the muscles. 

Video: Cure Neck Pain

Your doctor may also recommend simple head and neck stretching exercises to relieve tensions in the region.  These are often as simple as slowly rotating your head in a clockwise or counterclockwise path.  Simple movements such as that can be very effective in reducing neck strain, especially when coupled with improvements in sitting and posture positions.  In some cases, your doctor may advise you to seek physical or rehabilitative therapy if he or she thinks you would benefit from the experience.  Simple to moderate massage and yoga movements are also two other common recommendations to improve muscle and joint fluidity in the neck and upper back areas of the body.