How would you treat neck pain?

See your doctor: These symptoms can only be adequately diagnosed only after a thorough evaluation by your doctor. This may include labs and other satudies. Once all of the information is in, your doctor can let you know what's going on, and what to do to help you.

Neck pain: The neck pain can be caused by muscle strain, spinal stenosis, ruptured disc, nerve impingement ... The treatment depends on the cause of the pain. It might include exercise, massage, accupuncture, physical therapy, medication, injections ... I recommend you seeking help from a pain management doctor. You might benefit from a comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Posture: Neck pain is often caused by poor posture or ergonomics, and may respond to physical therapy for strengthening, stretching and postural correction. You may benefit from seeing a rehabilitation medicine doctor, they can determine if the cause is more serious like a disc or joint problem, and even do an injection which can help relieve pain for the right individual.

Initial xray: In the acute stage, i would recommend physical therapy, massage, and heat. Was the patient involved in an accident?

Generic approach: If there is cervical spondylosis, with/or without discogenic dysfnctn, might try motorized cervical traction and McKenzie neck exercises. But would also ascertain whether pt has ligamentous instability or facetogenic issues. Thoracic outlet syndrome may be another explanation, and treatment might involve Feldenkreis postural rehab. Am not a fan of ESI's, but if radicular signs, worth a try.

Posture: You may want to try applying moist heat to your neck 2-3 times per day and start a short course of anti-inflammatory such as advil or aleve (naproxen). Make sure you have a good lumbar support if you sit in a chair several hours per day. This will help with posture and will reduce stress on the neck. If pain lasts greater than 2 weeks or worsens i recommend seeing your doctor.