Neck pain for 6 weeks

Dear Ask The Doctor: For the past six weeks I have been dealing wih stiff neck which seems to have gotten worse.I am having trouble with neck rotation.Today the pain is at its worse level,should I see a doctor right away.

Dear Clifford: The neck pain may have many causes including: muscle strain, ligaments sprains, arthritis, or a radicular compression (pinched nerve). A cervical strain may be produced by everyday life stress like inadequate postures, muscle tension maybe from psychological stress or poor sleeping habits. You may have: stiffness and tightness, the pain of course and the limitation in the movements, all these may last up to six to 8 weeks. In the majority of cases the conservative treatment is effective, meaning: anti inflammatory medication, local alternating ice and heat, massage and practice a stretching exercise routine consistently every day. If after follow these measures the pain does not improve a further evaluation is recommended to rule out other more serious possible causes of the neck pain and according to that decide the best treatment option for you.