Neck Pain doctor in Denver

The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond well to self-care within 3 to 4 weeks. If neck pain continues, your doctor might recommend other treatments. Your doctor might prescribe stronger pain medicine than what you can get over-the-counter, as well as muscle relaxants, steroids, anti-convulsants, and possibly antidepressants for pain relief. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are front-line drugs in the treatment of neck pain because they reduce both pain and inflammation. Like Tylanol, many NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, but they also need to be taken carefully. NSAIDs can have some serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney damage, especially when used for long periods of time. NSAIDs have also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Because of their increased risks, opioids are not a first-line therapy for pain. Opioids such as codeine (contained in Tylenol with codeine), hydrocodone (contained in Vicodin and Lortab), and oxycodone (such as OxyContin, and contained in Percocet and Percodan) can provide significant relief when neck pain is particularly intense and other non-narcotic pain medications aren’t sufficient for pain relief. Although opioids are effective for pain, they should be used with caution because they can lead to dangerous side-effect . These prescription painkillers also have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Sterapred) work by reducing inflammation. Although they can be taken orally, steroids given for neck pain are sometimes delivered directly to the spine via an injection to the area. Research shows that steroid injection does relieve neck pain over the short term, although its effectiveness for chronic pain is unclear.  The most common side effects of short-term oral steroids are an increase in blood sugars, water retention and stomach ulcers. Side effects of oral steroids, which are not generally used, include weight gain, and, less often, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Muscle relaxants such as Baclofen can calm muscle tightness, and some research suggests they can relieve neck pain within the first few days of an acute injury. When using these drugs, watch out for side effects such as drowsiness, dependence, and urinary retention. These drugs are best used short term under a doctor’s guidance.