Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but see a GP if it does not go away. take paracetamol or
ibuprofen – or use ibuprofen gel on your neck use a low, firm pillow put heat or cold packs on your neck try to stay active – continue with your usual daily activities as much as possible do not wear a neck collar – it's better to
keep your neck moving (unless a doctor tells you not to) do not do anything that could be dangerous because you cannot move your neck – for example, driving or cyclingHow you can ease neck pain yourself
Do
Don’t
Try either of these:
- a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, 3 times a day
- a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day
You can also buy heat or cold packs from a pharmacy.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks
- painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have not worked
- you're worried about the pain
- you have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm – this could be something more serious
What can cause neck pain
The most common causes are:
- the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping
- bad posture – for example, when sitting at a desk for a long time
- a pinched nerve
- an injury – for example, whiplash from a traffic accident or fall
How you can prevent neck pain
Do
when sleeping, make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body
have a firm mattress
sit upright – roll your shoulders back gently and bring your neck back
Don’t
do not keep your neck in the same position for a long time – for example, when sitting at a desk
do not sleep on your front
do not twist your neck when you're in bed
Page last reviewed: 19 May 2020
Next review due: 19 May 2023
What Neck Pain on the Left Side Means
Do you experience neck pain on the left side and are unsure about its causes? Temporary neck pain is common and usually goes away on its own. Neck pain, however, is also considered one of the most common chronic pains. If you’re having such pain, it can be due to muscle strain caused by sleeping in an improper position or swelling. But if the pain is persistent or excruciating on the left side of the neck, it can be a
sign of an underlying medical condition.
Read on to find out some common causes of neck pain on the left side and see a doctor.
Muscle strain
It’s normal to experience neck pain due to muscle tension or strain, which occurs when a muscle or tendon bears excessive pressure. Following are the reasons why your neck muscle gets strained or tensed.
- Sleeping in an abnormal position
- Improper neck position for too long
- Injury
- Stress or anxiety
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- The strain on neck muscles while exercising
The symptoms of neck pain due to muscle strain include:
- Neck stiffness
- Inflammation in shoulder or neck
- Headaches
- Numbness in the arms
Torticollis
Torticollis is the condition that causes twisting or bending of the neck to one side. It occurs when your neck muscles contract due to:
- Stroke
- Accidents
- Emotional stress
- Compressed nerves
- Cold temperature exposure
The symptoms of torticollis may include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Difficulty balancing
- Issues with vision
- Problem in walking
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a pinched nerve, occurs when the nerve root in the cervical spinal cord is pressed due to swelling, bone spurs, or herniated disk. A pinched nerve can cause severe pain in the neck that moves to the arm and hand. Its symptoms may include:
- Muscle fragility
- Numbness in the arm
- Vague reflexes
- Uncomfortable tingling
Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis occurs due to narrowing the spinal canal in the neck, putting pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition can also occur due to other reasons, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Spine injuries
The symptoms for this condition build up gradually, including:
- Neck pain
- Weakness in fingers or hands
- Numbness in the neck going down the hands
Other rare causes of neck pain on the left side
Here are some less common but more severe medical conditions linked to neck pain on the left side.
- Congenital disabilities
- Spinal tumors
- Infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma
When to see a doctor
If your neck pain is mild, there’s nothing to worry about. But if the pain is continuous and excruciating, accompanied by another symptom, such as fever, vomiting, or reduced balance, visit your doctor as soon as you can.
Treatment of neck pain on the left side
Most treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis and severity. If the pain is mild, consider taking a hot bath. You can also try doing a neck massage or using a neck pillow, and it will help relax the neck muscles and
provide relief.
You can also seek a physiotherapist’s help if your doctor recommends it. They will educate you about better posture and various pain-relieving exercises.
You may need surgery if your neck cords are severely compressed or the bones are fractured. But most minor fractures only need a neck collar for treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Northwest Cardiovascular Clinic at (281) 807-5253. We look forward to hearing from you!