What are my treatment options for neck pain?
Cervical fractures Minor fractures may require wearing a cervical collar until neck pain is healed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, can be used to decrease swelling and relieve pain. Cervical arthritis Most cervical arthritis cases respond to conservative treatment, such as resting the neck, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to minimize pain and swelling, and being treated with a steroid epidural injected into the neck. Spine surgery is recommended for severe cases of cervical arthritis. The surgery involves the removal of a portion of bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Severe fractures More severe fractures may require manipulation or surgery to return the bones to their normal position. Traction may be used to align the bones with a halo-type brace. Plates and screws may be used with wires and bone grafts as well. Finally, surgery may be done to remove a portion of bone or a damaged disk to relieve pressure on the spinal c
