Injections

In some cases an injection may help. The injection may be a long-acting local anaesthetic or a ateroid preparation, and may be given into the small facet joints of the neck or sometimes into the narrow spaces where the nerves emerge from the spine. These injections are usually given by a specialist (a radiologist or anaesthetist) and are performed in an x-ray department so that the specialist can see exactly where the injection is going.

Collars

There is no evindence that these are any help for shortlived or long-lived neck pain. Some people find they help at night to keep that neck in a good position while they are asleep. An alternative for use at night is a 'neck pillow', which is a specially shaped piece of moulded foam. These are available from good department stores.