Home Remedies for Neck Pain

A neck Pain or sprain is when one or more neck muscles, ligaments or tendons are injured in the neck. Most minor neck Pains heal in a relatively short amount of time. Pain can be treated using cold or heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or even a gentle massage.

By definition, a neck Pain is not a serious injury. However, the pain and dysfunction that it causes can be significant. This article reviews both first aid approaches to alleviate the pain, as well as signs and symptoms that indicate when to see a doctor.

Causes of Neck Strain

You can suffer from neck pain for a variety of reasons.

·       The main cause is muscle tension and strain that can be due to poor posture, working at a desk for long hours without taking breaks, sleeping with your neck in a bad position and jerking the neck during exercise.

·  Too much time in an awkward position, such as hunched over a steering wheel while driving, hunched forward to view a computer monitor, or cradling a phone in the crook of the neck

·      Sleeping in a position that strains the neck, such as with a pillow that is too high or too firm

·       Carrying a heavy suitcase or another object on one side of the body

·    Any form of trauma that impacts the neck, such as from whiplash in a car accident, or from a fall in which one lands on the top of the head.

Here are some Home Remedies for Neck Pain:

Applying ice or cold packs:

The cold helps reduce inflammation in the area, which in turn allows it to heal. The ice or cold pack should be applied in twenty-minute intervals during the initial 24 hours.

1   Put some crushed ice cubes in a plastic bag.

         Wrap the plastic bag in a thin towel.

       Put the ice pack on your neck for not more than 15 minutes at a time.

       Follow this remedy every two to three hours for the first 24 hours.

     Note: Never apply ice directly on your skin.

Applying heat.

1. The heat helps bring nutrient-rich blood flow to the area to stimulate a healing response.

2.    Some people prefer moist heat, such as from a hot bath or shower.

3.    Others find more relief from applying continuous low-level heat from a heat wrap (such as brand name Thermacare, or store brand heat wraps)

Massage/ Neck Exercises:

There are wide ranges of motion exercises that help reduce neck pain. Exercise will strengthen and stabilize your neck muscles as well as your upper back. In addition, it will help to reduce stress.

1. Two types of neck exercises, in particular, can help ease and prevent neck pain.

2.    Apply moist heat to the neck before performing the exercises.

3.  Slowly rotate your neck in a circular motion, clockwise as well as anti-clockwise, to help stretch out the agitated muscles.

4.    This may cause a little pain in the beginning, but it will ultimately help your neck loosen up and heal.

5.    You can also move your neck slowly back and forth as well as from side to side.

Each exercise should be done five times per session, three sessions per day. If it hurts too much, do not do the exercises and consult your doctor.

When to See a Doctor for Neck Strain:

For more severe pain and stiffness, if the symptoms last for more than a day or two, or if the pain is accompanied by arm pain, numbness or tingling, a visit to a health professional, such as a chiropractor or primary care physician, is generally advisable. Also if the symptoms started after any kind of trauma or accident it is a good idea to get a full examination from a health professional to diagnose or rule out any serious problems.