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Frequently Asked Medical Questions

How Is Neck Pain Treated?

Treatment of neck pain is dependent on the cause of the pain, but the following treatments should help.

Heat

Warmth can help greatly in treating neck pain caused by muscular strain. A hot shower focusing on the neck, a hot compresses or a heating pad placed on the painful area should help alleviate pain.

Cold

If neck strain has just occurred, it may be very helpful to place an ice pack on area for 10-15 minutes every hour to help reduce inflammation of the tissue and resultant pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications may also reduce swelling and lessen the pain.

Rest

Rest is an important part of treatment and in certain cases a neck collar may be prescribed. Neck pain can often be slow to improve, sometimes taking several weeks to completely go away. When neck pain is persistent or is chronic, your doctor may recommend various forms of physical therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is only used as a last resort in order to relieve neck pain and usually only necessary where there is a need to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, or nerve pain is caused by a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal.

What is the outcome?

Neck pain from muscular strain can take weeks to heal, but the pain should eventually subside completely. If surgery is performed, it may take longer to heal.

How Is Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosed?

Your doctor should get a full medical history, administer a comprehensive physical examination, and perform lab procedures to assess and confirm the diagnosis.

Dehydration: Who is at risk?

Children

Children are at greater risk of dehydration, because their bodies have a higher percentage of water than adults, and they are at greater risk of infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea with resulting fluid loss. In children, dehydration can set in very quickly. Signs of advanced dehydration in infants include a weak pulse, shallow breathing and a blue tinge to the skin, which may feel cold to the touch.

Older adults

Older people are at greater risk of dehydration, as they may have decreased thirst and their kidneys may not work as efficiently. Also, Incontinence may lead elderly people to limit their fluid intake.

Athletes

Athletes who partake in strenuous sports activities are prone to dehydration, particularly in very hot conditions, and must stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes in order to prevent dehydration.

Illness

Individual who are sick and have vomiting and diarrhea are at increased risk of dehydration. The correct treatment of and vomiting and diarrhea will prevent dehydration.

When Should I Seek Medical Treatment For Anaphylaxis?

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance immediately. If you carry an epinephrine injector give yourself a shot immediately. However, even though your symptoms improve after an epinephrine injection, it is still vital to get to an emergency room for evaluation and to make sure symptoms don't return after the injection wears off.

If you suffer from severe allergy attacks or any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should consult a doctor to evaluate your condition and get you on the proper treatment and management plan for you.