Health tips: Back and neck pain
A night sleeping in an awkward position results in a stiff, sore neck. One wrong twist while weeding your flowers sends a stab of pain through your back or neck that doesn’t go away. The good news is that most back and neck pain gradually improves within a few days or weeks without a visit to your doctor. Often you can treat the injury or muscle strain on your own with some simple self- care strategies.
There are a number of steps you can take to ease your discomfort and help your body heal. You may find that some options are more helpful than others. Listen to your body and do what’s most effective for you.
Some home remedies that may improve back or neck pain include:
- Hot and cold compression
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Daily activity
- Basic stretches
- Massage
Generally, it’s recommended that you see a doctor if your symptoms don’t start to get better within about three to four weeks. Also see a doctor if you begin to experience new or worsening symptoms, such as numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or hand or leg or foot. Are there times when you shouldn’t wait — when you should see a doctor right away?
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your pain follows a traumatic event, such as a fall or blow to your back
- Your pain is severe
- Your pain is accompanied by a fever of 100.4 F or higher
- You have loss of strength in a leg or arm
- You aren’t able to control your bowels or bladder
- Your neck pain radiates down your arms or legs
- You have a headache, tingling or numbness along with neck pain