I am experiencing pain in my right neck and shoulder that worsens when I turn my head, along with slight numbness in my right hand, and I have a habit of cracking my neck; what medicine should I take to relieve these symptoms?
Your symptoms suggest a pinched nerve in your neck (cervical radiculopathy), likely aggravated by cracking your neck, which you should stop doing. For temporary relief of pain and inflammation, you can take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen. However, because you have numbness in your hand, a sign of nerve compression, medication alone isn't enough. You must consult a doctor for a proper physical exam. They may prescribe nerve-specific medications (like gabapentin) or recommend physical therapy. Avoid sudden neck movements and seek immediate medical care if the numbness worsens or weakness develops.