Neck Pain Treatment Options You Can Use to Supplement Pain Relievers

You use your neck more than you probably realize. So when neck pain creeps in, it can be really hard to ignore and push through. Many patients take pain relievers for neck pain and figure that any pain that remains after that is inevitable. However, there are plenty of neck pain treatment options you can safely use alongside pain relievers.

1. Heating Pads

The simplest solution may be to simply hold a heating pad against your neck for about 20 minutes at a time. The source of your pain may be a herniated disc or tendon injury, but these injuries make the muscles in your neck tense, and pain relievers alone do not always alleviate that tension. Heat does. As the heat eases the tension in your muscles, your neck will begin to feel looser, and there will be less pressure on your vertebral column, which will lower the level of pain you're experiencing.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural herbal pain reliever. It grows as a root, similar to ginger, and is usually sold as a fine, yellow powder. Check with your doctor to be sure, but turmeric is generally safe to take alongside prescription pain relievers. It is great for helping to alleviate inflammation, which not all prescription pain relievers do. As the turmeric reduces inflammation in your neck tissues, the pressure on your nerves and pain receptors will decrease, and you should see your pain subside. Most patients find that they need to take turmeric several days in a row in order to experience the full extent of its effects.

3. Capsaicin Cream

Another option is to rub capsaicin cream on your neck. It is usually sold for the management of arthritis pain, but it can be effective against other types of pain, too. The active ingredient in the cream is the compound that makes hot peppers spicy. When applied topically, this capsaicin overwhelms nerve endings, so your nerves simply stop sending so many pain signals. As you apply the cream, make sure you rub it in well, preferably in a circular motion. This helps ensure the cream is well absorbed, and you also get a little massage, which helps further ease your pain. 

As you can see, there are plenty of solutions for neck pain that you can use alongside pain relievers. So if your pain relief pills alone are not cutting it, don't give up.