Neck pain part 2: optimizing treatment and rehabilitation.
Most nontraumatic conditions that produce neck pain can be managed by primary care physicians, with physical therapy to augment rehabilitation. One key role the physician can often play is to reassure the patient that the injury is not serious. After that, the goal of immediate treatment is to minimize pain and inflammation with nonsteroidal medication and icing. Other options can include brief bed rest, narcotic analgesics, a cervical collar, and, depending on the condition, corticosteroids, local injections, acetaminophen, and moist heat. Rehabilitation to recover lost function should address the entire kinetic chain and include an aerobic component. Return to play must be gradual. Some injured or aging patients may have to cut back on activity or cross-train to maintain an active lifestyle.
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Department of Physical Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.