cervical can derive from a multitude of causal elements, of different nature; in the mild forms, neck pain is often due to taking an incorrect position or cold blows, responsible for muscle tension and fatigue that result in episodes of cervical pain. Even more intense is cervical pain deriving from injuries and heavy injuries, which can result in the so-called whiplash; again, herniated discs, degeneration of the intervertebral discs and bone spurs can ignite cervical pain. Sometimes, neck pain is an expression of serious conditions, such as meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal cancer.
Risk factors
The habit of constantly gritting the teeth, old age, the presence of osteoarthritis (spondylosis), lack of sport, stress are some of the possible risk factors for the development of cervical pain.
and hand.The intensity of cervical pain is subjective and also depends on the cause that favored it; neck pain does not always reflect an alarming condition, but it is advisable to seek medical attention in case of persistent pain, loss of strength in the hands and arms, continuous tingling in the upper limbs, headache and inability to touch the chest with the chin.
PLEASE NOTE
The information on medications for the treatment of neck pain is not intended to replace the direct relationship between the health professional and the patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking any medications to treat neck pain.
to be taken orally to reduce pain, while injections of analgesic drugs or corticosteroids are recommended for the analgesic control of the more severe forms.
Even cryotherapy, or ice therapy, seems particularly suitable for creating a sort of analgesia directly in the area affected by the pain: in this case, we recommend the application of bags or bags of ice, not to be placed directly in contact with the skin. , within the first 2-3 days after the trauma After 48-72 hours, it is recommended to replace cryotherapy with heat therapy: in this case, hot showers and warm water compresses on the neck are recommended.
In some cases, it is necessary to immobilize the neck with special collars: forced immobilization of the neck is generally recommended for cervical pain due to muscle tears and whiplash (eg following a road accident). orthopedic, by applying a slight pressure in the structures of the neck, it helps to relieve pain; it should be emphasized that the collar should not be kept for a period longer than 2 weeks.
It is necessary to say a few words on the importance of exercises for neck pain: a specific exercise program, practiced frequently, can relieve pain, thus improving the patient's quality of life, especially for those who complain of chronic neck pain. to perform physiotherapy exercises slowly, avoiding fast movements and sudden jerks, which could exacerbate the pre-existing problem.
Only in severe cases, surgery is the last option to resolve severe neck pain, useful for relieving compression of the spinal cord and nerves.
PLEASE NOTE
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against cervical pain, and some examples of active ingredients. However, it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the triggering cause, the seriousness of the situation, the patient's state of health and his response to treatment.
Therefore, it is always recommended to contact this health professional and to follow the indications provided by it.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be used for pain therapy in the context of neck pain. Among the active ingredients that the doctor may decide to prescribe, we remember ibuprofen and naproxen which, in these cases, are usually administered orally.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid drugs are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that may be prescribed in cases of severe neck pain associated with obvious inflammation of the nerves in the neck. Their use may not always be indicated and in any case must take place for short periods of time.
The doctor will decide on a case-by-case basis whether the use of such drugs can be useful or not and, if so, which active ingredient to use, in what dose and through which route of administration.
Other drugs used to reduce Acute Neck Pain
In particular cases, depending on the triggering cause of the painful stimulus, the doctor may decide to prescribe the administration of other drugs to relieve cervical pain, such as:
- Pregabalin: it is an active ingredient indicated to treat both central and peripheral neuropathic pain.
- Tramadol: is an opioid active ingredient that can be used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
