Neck and shoulder pain affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Pain in this region can be due to a wide variety of issues, including sports injuries and spinal conditions. When it comes to neck and shoulder pain, there are several different ways to find relief. Find out more about these treatment options below.
Different Treatment Methods for Neck and Shoulder Pain
From specialized stretches to surgical intervention, there are a variety of ways to relieve your neck and shoulder pain. We’re breaking down each of these remedies here:
Specific Stretches
One of the best ways to find relief from neck and shoulder pain is with specific stretches. Creating a stretching routine that relaxes your neck and shoulder muscles can help alleviate much of the discomfort you feel. A neck and shoulder stretching routine may include the following stretches and more:
- Cervical stretches
- Levator scapula stretches
- Shoulder stretch
Each of these stretches should be held for five to ten seconds and then repeated on the opposite side. For optimal results, you should try to perform these stretches at least once daily.
Posture Improvement
Poor posture is a common cause of neck and shoulder pain for many people. This makes improving your posture a simple way to relieve the pain and discomfort for good. If you struggle with poor posture, try these steps to improve the way you hold yourself:
- Stand with your back straight against the wall. Keep your shoulders, hips, and heels aligned against the wall.
- Begin to move your palms against the wall. Bring them as high as you can and then back down.
- Repeat this movement 10 times, and then walk forward.
Regularly doing this can improve your posture long-term and help you avoid any further neck or shoulder pain.
Medications
If you still struggle with neck and shoulder pain after regular stretching and improving your posture, you may need medication to manage your symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause of your neck pain, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and other painkillers can alleviate your discomfort.
You will need to have a specialist evaluate your pain and determine the cause to find the right medication for you.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a developing field that has shown promise in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and shoulder pain. Regenerative medicine approaches aim to promote tissue repair and regeneration using stem cells, growth factors, and other innovative techniques.
One approach for neck and shoulder pain is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the concentrated platelets into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, reducing pain and improving function.
Another approach is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells can be harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue, and then administered into the focus areas to help promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Diagnosing and Treating Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
If you have ongoing neck and shoulder pain, always seek a diagnosis and further guidance from a physician. Your doctor can find the underlying cause of your neck pain and work with you to set up a unique treatment plan that meets your needs.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for TBI, also known as stem cells for traumatic brain injury. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
