Is heat or ice better for neck pain?

Is heat or ice better for neck pain?

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is a common condition that will affect most people at the some point in their lives. Many different things can cause neck pain, which is usually not a sign of a more serious condition.

Most neck pain clears up on its own in a few days. These are rarely signs of something serious.

What are the symptoms associated with neck pain?

The pain often spreads from the neck to the back of the shoulders or upper back and often causes headaches. You may find that when you keep your head in one place for a long time, for example, on a computer.

Neck pain may also come with the muscle stiffness or spinal cord, and you may not be able to move your head properly.

If you have a neck injury, you may have a headache, tingling and numbness or numbness, weakness, changes in your vision or hearing, difficulty concentrating or difficulty passing.

What causes neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain are:

• Weak position (the way your body is positioned while standing or sitting)
• Sleeping in a strange state
• Pressure
• Injuries such as muscle strain or whiplash
• Prolonged use of the desktop or laptop computer
• Wearing and tearing at the bones of the neck, which is a normal part of aging

Rare causes of neck pain include:

• Damage to the spinal cord, spinal cord or nerves in the neck
• A compressed nerve
• Infection
• Osteoporosis-related bone loss or fracture
• Cancer
• Meningitis
• Joint pain

Hot or cold?

Should you use heat or the ice for the neck pain? The answer is both. The only precaution is that both should not be used at the same time. Chiropractors generally recommend that ice be used on the hard, painful neck for the first 24 to 48 hours. This is because, when the wound first persists, the soft tissues in the neck burn. The use of ice naturally helps reduce inflammation and control pain. When heat is applied, it can cause inflammation to the worsen. Giving the inflammation a chance to rest for a day or two before applying the heat would be the best course of action.

Applying warmth after the first period of swelling and inflammation can help soften the respiratory muscles and reduce neck stiffness. It will also help improve range of the motion.

Always use in moderation

It doesn’t matter if it is cold or hot, it is important to remember that both should be used sparingly.

Follow these tips to make sure you don’t overuse it:

• Apply ice or heat for only 20 minutes at the time
• Give the affected area at least 3 minutes before applying any more.
• Protect your skin from scratches by placing a towel between your skin and the heat or ice.

Neck pain may be difficult and insecure to deal with, but cold and heat can almost always help. When you wake up with a stiff neck, no matter the reason behind it, you should go to see the creator in the joint. Consulting a chiropractor can help determine the root of the problem, not just the pain. This course of action will ensure that you treat the underlying problem instead of just covering the symptoms.

Can neck pain be prevented?

The best way to prevent the neck pain is to keep your spine flexible and your muscles strong. You can do this with the regular exercise – 30 minutes on most days. Make sure you take plenty of breaks throughout the day for the long haul.

It is important to create a good mood, especially when you are sitting, at work or driving. Try not to be silent or pull your chin. Supporting pillows are also important to prevent neck pain.