Treatments for Neck Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a condition where a large tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain and immobility 3. Depending on the severity of the injury, this condition can be quite debilitating. Neck tendonitis can be extremely problematic because you are unable to enjoy a full range of movement, and the limited movement you do have will be painful 3. Luckily, there are some simple treatments that can alleviate some of the pain associated with this condition.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Beginning Treatment
Stop the movement or activity action that caused neck pain to occur in the first place. If you are noticing the pain when you are doing a particular activity, you should stop that activity immediately. This will stop further inflammation from occurring and will help the tendon begin healing. As the tendon begins to heal, there should be a rest period of at least three weeks before any treatment should begin. The rest period will help strengthen and heal the tendon. If the tendon feels better or is healed, you can begin light stretching exercises to increase mobility.
- Stop the movement or activity action that caused neck pain to occur in the first place.
- If the tendon feels better or is healed, you can begin light stretching exercises to increase mobility.
Bracing
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If the tendon still isn't healed after a few weeks of rest, it may become necessary to brace the tendon.You should see a doctor who can prescribe a brace and anti-inflammatory cream or medication. While you are wearing the neck brace, you should apply the anti-inflammatory cream (you can also use an over the counter cream like BenGay) to the area. The medicine will work to stop the swelling of the neck and the brace will limit movement, giving it time to heal. The brace should be worn for a period of three weeks. If, after three weeks, the tendon begins to feel better, you can start the next step of the treatment.
- If the tendon still isn't healed after a few weeks of rest, it may become necessary to brace the tendon.
- While you are wearing the neck brace, you should apply the anti-inflammatory cream (you can also use an over the counter cream like BenGay) to the area.
Exercising
Once the brace is off, begin by doing some light exercise. Exercising can build up your neck strength and will help increase you mobility. Don't overdo exercising as this can lead to re-injuring your neck, sending your rehabilitation back to square one. As your neck begins to build up strength, slowly add your normal activity back into your routine, being mindful of what it was that caused the tendonitis in the first place 3. Remember to stretch before attempting any exercise, as muscles that are not warmed up can help to cause the tendonitis to reoccur 3.
- Once the brace is off, begin by doing some light exercise.
- As your neck begins to build up strength, slowly add your normal activity back into your routine, being mindful of what it was that caused the tendonitis in the first place 3.
Other treatments
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If you are still having problems with your neck, a great treatment is a massage 2. Massages have been shown to help relieve some of the pain of tendonitis and will help the tendon heal 3. It helps blood flow to the affected area and can speed up your recovery time. For a severe case that is not healed by other methods, a more advanced treatment may be recommended by your doctor 1. This treatment can consist of several medical options. These include surgery or an ultrasound where doctors will break down scar tissue around the tendon which helps to increase circulation and soften the area.