Your Nonsurgical Treatment Plan

Your doctor may recommend rest, medications, physical therapy, exercises, or injections. These nonsurgical treatments often relieve symptoms. If your symptoms persist, you and your doctor may decide that surgery is the best option for you.

Relieving Your Symptoms

Your doctor may recommend:

• Medications to reduce the pain and inflammation in your neck. Take medications on time, as directed.
• Epidural steroid injections (injections into the spinal canal near the spinal cord). This may relieve severe pain and reduce inflammation. See image above.
• Restricted activities or bed rest to give your cervical spine a chance to heal.
• A soft cervical collar to wear for a couple of weeks. The collar helps support your head while keeping your cervical spine aligned.
• Traction two or more times a day for a couple of weeks. This may help relieve the pressure on the irritated nerves in your cervical spine.

Restoring Movement and Strength

To help you regain strength and movement in your neck, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. A physical therapist may teach you special exercises to improve your neck's strength and range of motion. Posture and movements that can affect your cervical spine may be evaluated and corrected. Therapies such as heat, massage, and traction may also help to relieve your symptoms.

Self-Care

You'll take an active role in your therapy. To protect your neck from further injury:

• Follow any exercise program given to you by your doctor or physical therapist. This may include resistance and range-of-motion exercises.
• Practice good posture whether you're sitting, standing, or moving.
• Have your workspace evaluated. Rearrange it as suggested. Using a telephone headset even at home may help you avoid painful positions.
• When lying on your back, support your neck with a special cervical pillow or a rolled-up towel.

Resistance exercises can help strengthen your neck muscles. Place your hand on one side of your head. Press your head against your hand, and push back (resist) with your hand. Repeat on the other side.

Range-of-motion exercises can reduce neck stiffness and increase flexibility. Slowly bend your neck to one side, then return it slowly to the center. Repeat on the other side.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.