Cervical spine problems can often be treated without surgery. Choices may include rest, medicines, or injections. Your healthcare provider may also suggest certain exercises. All these treatments may help to ease your symptoms and are often successful. If your symptoms don’t get better, talk with your healthcare provider. They may advise surgery as your best treatment option.
Easing your symptoms
Your healthcare provider may advise:
-
Medicines. These help to reduce pain and inflammation.
-
Epidural steroid injections and nerve root injections. These are injections into the spinal canal near the spinal cord or nerve roots. They may ease severe pain and reduce inflammation.
-
Limits on activities that make your symptoms worse. This can give your neck time to heal.
-
A soft cervical collar. This can help to support and immobilize your neck. It can also keep your cervical spine aligned.
-
Traction. This may help ease pressure on the irritated nerves.
Restoring mobility and strength
Your healthcare provider may advise that you work with a physical therapist, an osteopathic doctor, or a chiropractor. They can help you get back movement and strength in your neck. Physical therapy may last for 4 to 8 weeks. It may include:
-
Exercises. These can improve your neck’s range of motion and strength.
-
Evaluation and correction of posture and body movements. This can fix problems that affect your cervical spine.
-
Heat, massage, and traction. These can help ease your symptoms.
Self-care
You’ll take an active role in your own therapy. To protect your neck from more injury:
-
Follow any exercise program given to you by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
-
Practice good posture while sitting, standing, or moving.
-
Have your workspace evaluated. Rearrange it if needed.
-
When lying down, support your neck. You can use a special cervical pillow or rolled-up towel.
Online Medical Reviewer: Anne Fetterman RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Joseph Campellone MD
Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health
Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.
Explore Services
Get Health Tips & Updates
Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.
SubscribeRelated Articles
Migraine headache: Stages and treatment
A migraine headache tends to progress in stages. Learning these stages can help you better understand what is happening. Then you can learn ways to reduce pain and relieve other symptoms. Methods for relieving your symptoms include self-care and medicines.
Head Injury With Sleep Monitoring (Adult)
Even if a head injury seems mild, symptoms of a more serious problem may appear later. You and someone caring for you will need to watch for symptoms.
Medial branch neurotomy
Back or neck pain may be due to problems with certain nerves near your spine. If so, a medial branch neurotomy can help relieve your pain.
Treating Peripheral Neuropathy: Foot Care
Peripheral neuropathy is a disease of the nerves. It most often starts in your feet and may also eventually affect the arms. It may cause pain or may make you unable to sense pain. Sometimes, weakness occurs as well.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
Find A Doctor
Make an Appointment
Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location
Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.
Find Urgent Care
