Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Neck Pain

The following remedies can be useful in treating neck pain:

• Bryonia
  Common Name: Wild hops
  Symptoms: Bryonia is used to treat muscular pain, which is aggravated by even the slightest motion or exertion. It is particularly suited to people of a dark complexion and who have intense thirst. The patient also tends to be irritable and experiences physical weakness. Bryonia helps relieve the following symptoms:
  • Stiff neck along with neck pain
  • Tension in the nape of the neck
  • Appearance of red spots on the sides of the neck
  • Itching on the neck
  • Cramps all over the back along with shooting pain
  • Pain in the shoulder, which gets worse on breathing deeply
  • Pain under the shoulder blade
  • Back pain and neck pain that gets worse from exposure to hard water or during sudden weather changes

The symptoms are likely to get worse in the morning and from warmth or hot applications. Symptoms get better on applying pressure on the painful side or using a cold compress.

• Causticum
  Common Name: Hahnemann’s tinctura acris sine kali
  Symptoms: Causticum is suited to individuals who usually tend to be restless at night and are likely to complain of tearing pain in the joints and bones. These individuals experience burning sensation in their skin and have warts, especially on the face. Other symptoms that indicate a need for causticum are:
  • Stiffness, itching, tension and pain in the nape of the neck
  • A feeling as if there is a bruise on the nape of the neck
  • Skin eruptions on the neck as well as the shoulders
  • Swelling of the cervical lymph nodes (Read more: Swollen lymph nodes causes)
  • Drawing pain in the shoulders and arms; the patient feels like their muscles are being pulled up or out
  • Tingling and itching sensations in the back
  • Weak memory
  • Persistent anxiety
  • Decreased attention span
  • Speech difficulty

Complaints get worse in dry, cold and windy weather. Symptoms get better in damp and wet weather.

• Cimicifuga
  Common Name: Black snake root
  Symptoms: Cimicifuga has a wide effect on the spinal and muscular system. It is very useful in alleviating symptoms of rheumatism and dealing with shooting pains and cramps in the muscles. The typical symptoms in an individual requiring cimicifuga are as follows:
  • Pain and sensitivity in the upper part of the spine
  • Stiff neck along with stiffness in the back
  • Pain radiating from the neck down to the thighs
  • Crick in the back
  • Restlessness in limbs
  • Sore muscles
  • Inability to bear pain
  • Persistent depression
  • Nausea and vomiting if pressure is applied to the spine and cervical area

All the complaints get worse in the morning and during periods in women. Symptoms are likely to get better with warmth and after meals.

• Chelidonium Majus
  Common Name: Celandine
  Symptoms: Although celandine is predominantly used for treating liver problems, it also helps in treating pain symptoms. An individual who requires this remedy often complains of lethargy and paralytic pain with an icy coldness that runs up to the back of the head from the nape of the neck. They also have a tendency to fall forwards. This remedy relieves the following symptoms:
  • Pain in the nape of the neck
  • Stiffness in the neck, the person finds it difficult to move their neck
  • Neck pain extending to the shoulders (Read more: Shoulder pain treatment)
  • Violent pain in the left scapula
  • Pain under the lower and inner part of the right shoulder blade
  • Difficulty moving the arm due to pain in the neck
  • Tearing pain in the back when bending forwards or backwards

The symptoms may get worse in the morning, on moving about, on lying on the right side, and on touching the affected site. Symptoms usually get better after having dinner or on applying pressure to the affected area.

• Gelsemium
  Common Name: Yellow jasmine
  Symptoms: Gelsemium primarily acts on the central nervous system and helps in dealing with muscular weakness. It suits individuals who frequently complain of dizziness, trembling and lack of muscular coordination. This remedy is helpful for addressing the following symptoms:
  • Dull and heavy pain in the back, especially in the lumbar region; the pain usually radiated upwards
  • Bruised feeling in muscles
  • Pain in the upper muscles of the neck
  • A tendency to get tired very quickly
  • Contracting pain in the right side of the neck
  • Pain in the neck along with pain under the left shoulder blade
  • Pain in the shoulders at night
  • Headache that is usually accompanied by neck pain

Symptoms get worse in humid or damp weather and with strong emotions. Symptoms get better on moving the affected part, on bending forward, and being in open air.

• Hypericum Perforatum
  Common Name: St. John’s wort
  Symptoms: St. John’s wort tends to be a powerful remedy for treating pain caused by injured nerves. An individual requiring this remedy tends to experience a throbbing sensation in the head along with excessive thirst and extreme pain in the shoulders. He/she also complains of jerking and twitching of muscles in the back. St. John’s wort is used for addressing the following symptoms:
  • Pain in the nape of the neck
  • A feeling of pressure in the lower back
  • Concussion of the spine
  • Injury to the tail bone that causes radiating pain in the spine
  • Inability to walk due to violent pain
  • Severe pain with slightest motion of arms or neck after a fall

Symptoms get worse in cold, humidity and in close rooms, but get better on bending the head backwards.

• Sarcolacticum Acidum
  Common Name: Sarcolactic acid
  Symptoms: Individuals requiring sarcolacticum acidum often complain of extreme tiredness and difficulty in falling asleep. This remedy helps in treating muscle weakness. The following symptoms are typically noted in an individual requiring this remedy:
  • Weakness in the shoulders
  • Tiredness in the muscles of the back and neck

Homeopathic remedies can be effectively integrated into everyday schedule as they are least likely to disturb the normal functioning of the body. However, there are certain measures one can take in order to make sure that no outside factors interfere with the action of these remedies. Here is a comprehensive list of the do’s and don’ts that should be kept in mind while using homeopathic medications:

Do’s:

• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Keep your surroundings clean and sanitised.
• Maintain an active lifestyle by performing brisk exercises such as jogging, walking or yoga.
• Follow a healthy diet, which includes nutritious foods rich in fibre.
• Wear comfortable clothes, which are airy and allow easy ventilation.

Don’ts: 

• Do not consume excessively spicy, sweet or salty food.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol. (Read more: Effects of smoking on the body)
• Reduce the intake of beverages such as coffee and tea.
• Avoid the use of artificial temperature controlling devices such as air conditioning and room heaters.
• Avoid the use of artificial and strong scents such as room fresheners and perfumes.

Homeopathy offers a holistic solution to reverse neck pain and ensure that the symptoms do not return. Homeopathic treatment triggers the body’s own innate healing power to overcome inflammation (that often leads to neck pain) and subside the condition. Homeopathic doctors follow an individualised approach to treatment. They take into account, the complete health history of the individual, including factors such as the lifestyle, causes, symptoms and modalities of the symptoms. This helps in providing a precise, safe and effective homeopathic regimen.

Homeopathic medications are safe to use because they are derived from natural substances, which produce a remedial effect. The medications are carefully diluted to safe amounts and administered to individuals depending upon their health needs. The drugs are prescribed only after a careful evaluation and understanding of the individual’s physiological and psychological health history. Hence, the chances of having allergies or any side effects from a homeopathic remedy are significantly low. As long as the medications are taken under the supervision of a certified homeopathic practitioner, they are safe and pose no risks.

Mild neck pain tends to subside within a few days with rest, however, it can be debilitating and persistent in cases of serious injuries or illnesses. If not dealt with effectively on time, it can lead to permanent damage and affect the quality of life of the individual. Homeopathy offers an effective solution to relieve the pain, strengthen the muscles and manage the underlying causes of neck pain. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and are hence safe to use. Do not take any medicine without the prescription of a doctor. 

(Read more: Ayurvedic treatment of neck pain)