If the pain persists or becomes long standing pain then one should not waste any more time and contact a pain physician directly. The treatment options are defined by the exact cause of such a pain. The various options that are available are:

Physical therapy : Ultrasonic, short wave diathermy, laser and controlled traction. Along with these neck strengthening exercises are performed. No exercises should be performed in acute painful conditions.

Pharmacotherapy : This includes a combination of nerve medicines, safe pain killers, muscle relaxants and other drugs which are given depending on the exact cause of pain.

Cervical Facet Joint / Median Branch Neurolysis : This procedure is performed under live X-ray guidance when patient is fully conscious . The area from where the pain coming is identified & with high accuracy special needles are placed to deliver anti inflammatory medicine to give immediate nearly 50 % relief & relaxation .It is Day care procedure done under local anaesthesia only.

Occipital nerve block : This is mainly performed to relieve headache in posterior part of neck . It is also a OPD base procedure & done under Local anaesthesia only.

Radiofrequency procedures : If patients are having continuous pain even after treatment , Radiofrequency procedures are done for long term benefit. In this treatment high frequency current is passed through the needle tip which ablate the pain signals from nerves without any effect on other nerve function. It is again done under local anaesthesia with the help of live X-ray machine.

Cervical Epidural Steroid :This procedure is useful for relieving pain coming from lower Facet Joint in neck area . It is also useful for patients having slipped disc & nerve pain going to arm ,hand .

Life style modifications : These are required for prevention of further such events. These include avoiding lifting heavy weights, long uninterrupted work hours in front of laptop, using mobile phones for long periods and use of pillows. Develop good postures while sitting, working, reading, driving etc.

Surgical options: Surgery is rarely required. There are specific indications for surgery. Presence of pain is not an indication for surgery.