Home treatments for a neck sprain can include:
- Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports, but try to do some light activity. Don’t just rest in bed, which can...
- Apply ice to reduce inflammation. Ice your neck for about 24–48 hours after the injury. Apply it for 15 minutes at a...
- Switch to a heating pad after a couple days. Again, limit use to about 15 minutes...
How long does a sprained neck take to heal?
May 30, 2017 · Lie on the floor with a rolled-up towel under your neck. Your head should be touching the floor. Slowly bring your chin toward your chest. Hold for a count of 6, and then relax for up to 10 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. Follow-up …
How to cure neck sprain quickly?
Lie on the floor with a rolled-up towel under your neck. Your head should be touching the floor. Slowly bring your chin toward your chest. Hold for a count of 6, and then relax for up to 10 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
What are the symptoms of a sprained neck?
Feb 18, 2022 · Home treatments for a neck sprain can include: Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports, but try to do some light activity. Don’t just rest in bed, which can... Apply ice to reduce inflammation. Ice your neck for about 24–48 hours after the injury. Apply it for 15 minutes at a... Switch to ...
How do you heal a sore neck?
Mar 16, 2022 · Basic self-help takes care of most routine neck pain flare-ups: Use cold to numb the early acute pain and reduce inflammation. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic... Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the ...
How long does it take for a sprained neck to heal?
Recovery from a neck sprain or strain With proper treatment and rest, most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain within four to six weeks. If the strain or sprain is severe, it can take three months or more to fully recover.
How do you heal a sprained neck fast?
For minor, common causes of neck pain, try these simple remedies:Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that. ... Take over-the-counter pain relievers. ... Keep moving. ... Gentle massage. ... Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow. ... Use a soft neck collar.Nov 30, 2021
What does a sprained neck feel like?
A person with a neck sprain may experience a wide range of possible symptoms, including: Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement. Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately. Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder.
How do I know if my neck injury is serious?
Some signs of a serious neck injury:Pain that doesn't go away or is severe.Shooting pain in your arms or legs.Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs.Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels.Apr 19, 2021
What to do if you have a sprained neck?
If you suspect you’ve sprained your neck, go to the doctor so they can check it out and give you a diagnosis. Lots of other conditions can cause neck pain and some of them may be life-threatening, so it’s wise to err on the side of safety and get it checked out as soon as you can. [1]
How long does it take for a sprained neck to heal?
If it is a simple sprain, use home remedies to treat the pain and manage inflammation for the next 4 to 6 weeks.
How to get rid of neck pain?
5. Talk to your doctor about wearing a neck collar. With the approval of your doctor, wear a neck collar to immobilize your neck take some of the weight of your head off of your neck muscles. You can do this while you’re sitting down to work, eat, or just relax.
How to stop neck pain from moving?
If you’re experiencing stiffness, performing a gentle neck stretch a few times a day can help loosen up your muscles and lessen your recovery time. If you experience extreme pain from moving your neck at all, stop trying to stretch your neck muscles and see a doctor as soon as you can.
How to get rid of a swollen neck?
Bend your knees slightly, then hinge forward at your waist in a forward fold. Gently shake your neck to loosen it and decompress your neck and spine. After a few breaths, slowly roll back up to a standing position.
Who is Luba Lee?
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a de cade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 6,170 times.
How to stretch your neck?
Neck stretches. Look straight ahead, and tip your right ear to your right shoulder. Do not let your left shoulder rise up as you tip your head to the right. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Tilt your head to the left. Do not let your right shoulder rise up as you tip your head to the left. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
How to do a neck rotation?
slide 1 of 7, Neck rotation, Sit in a firm chair, or stand up straight. Keeping your chin level, turn your head to the right, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Turn your head to the left and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times to each side.
How to get rid of a swollen temple?
With your right hand, place your first two fingers on your right temple. Start to bend your head to the side while using gentle pressure from your fingers to keep your head from bending. Hold for about 6 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. Switch hands and repeat the same exercise on your left side.
What is follow up care?
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How to strengthen your head?
slide 5 of 7, Forward bend strengthening, Place your first two fingers of either hand on your forehead. Start to bend your head forward while using gentle pressure from your fingers to keep your head from bending. Hold for about 6 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Is Healthwise a trademark?
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
What causes a sprained neck?
The causes of routine strain-and-sprain neck pain vary. If you wake up with a "crick" in your neck, it's probably the sharp muscle contractions known as spasms, caused by a muscle strain. A sprain, in contrast, happens in ligaments—the tough tissues that connect bones together. Alternatively, a tendon—the tissue that attaches muscles to bones—may become inflamed, causing tendinitis. Basic self-help takes care of most routine neck pain flare-ups: 1 Use cold to numb the early acute pain and reduce inflammation. 2 Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic brands) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. 3 Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort. "Collars have a bad reputation from people overusing them and getting weak muscles, but used a few hours here and there they can be very useful," Dr. Shmerling says. 4 Apply heat —either with a heating pad or by using a warm whirlpool bath if one is available—after a day or two, once the acute pain calms down.
How to get rid of neck pain?
Be sure to keep your head level; you should be gliding your head backward, not bending or tipping it. Hold for five seconds. Repeat five times. Additional exercises for neck pain are available in Neck Pain: A troubleshooting guide to help you find relief, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. /NK.
Why do you wear a neck collar?
Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort. "Collars have a bad reputation from people overusing them and getting weak muscles, but used a few hours here and there they can be very useful," Dr. Shmerling says.
What is the best medicine for acute pain?
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic brands) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Use a neck collar for short periods ...
How to relieve neck and back pain?
First, ease the early intense pain with rest, ice, and heat; then move on to gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Later, avoid bad posture and other habits that could trigger another neck pain crisis.
Why do my arms go numb?
In some cases, an underlying physical problem, such as arthritis, an infection, or a compressed nerve, may be the cause.
How to heal a swollen neck?
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce flare-ups, although the evidence for this is not ironclad. Dr. Shmerling encourages his patients to see a physical therapist for guided therapeutic exercise. Here is what the therapist can offer: ...
What is a neck sprain?
A neck sprain is a stretched ligament or muscle in the neck. A neck sprain may occur without any obvious injury but sometimes it may be caused by a sudden impact with an object. An impact may force the neck to quickly extend beyond its normal range, and then snap back forcefully. This is commonly called a whiplash injury.
How long does it take for a sprained neck to heal?
Your head and neck pain should get better within a couple of weeks. If not, local anesthetic injections may be tried. Full recovery may take as long as 3 months. If you are still having symptoms after this time further evaluation by a spine specialist is appropriate.
How to treat a swollen neck?
Pain, inflammation, and tension may be treated by: 1 Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications 2 Ice for the first 24 hours followed by heat applied to the neck through a moist towel 3 Muscle relaxants
What are the symptoms of a neck sprain?
Other symptoms that may happen with a neck sprain include: Dizziness. Ringing in the ears. Fatigue. Patchy numbness in the hands or arms.
How to treat neck pain?
Pain, inflammation, and tension may be treated by: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Ice for the first 24 hours followed by heat applied to the neck through a moist towel. Muscle relaxants. Gentle movement of the neck is encouraged. Range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a physical therapist.
What are the signs of spinal cord injury?
Arm or leg weakness, difficulty walking, and an inability to control the bladder or bowels are signs of spinal cord injury. If you have immediate neck pain after the incident, go to an emergency room.
What is a physical exam?
A physical examination will review your posture, ability to move, and the position of your head and chin. The doctor will inspect the blood vessels in your neck and may listen to them with a stethoscope. He or she also may check: The range of motion of your neck. The muscle strength in your arms. Your reflexes.
How to tell if you have a neck sprain?
Other neck sprain symptoms include a stiff neck and decreased flexibility when you try to move your head up or down, from side to side and/or when you attempt to roll your neck. A sore throat, irritability, fatigue, trouble sleeping and concentrating, and swelling in the area of your neck and shoulders are also possible.
What causes a neck sprain?
A neck or back sprain occurs as a result of trauma, such as a whiplash incident, a fall, or even sudden twisting movement of the spine. A sprain affects ligaments, which are bands of tissues that, much like straps, hold the bones together at the joints. 1 Strains, on the other hand, affect muscles. Neck sprains tend to occur when a joint ...
Who is Anne Asher?
Anne Asher, ACE-certified personal trainer, health coach, and orthopedic exercise specialist, is a back and neck pain expert. Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. What Is a Neck Sprain? Neck sprains can be mild, moderate or severe.
What is grade 1 sprain?
A grade 1 sprain is the mildest form of the injury. Some fibers of the ligaments that surround the joint or joints will likely be stretched, but the joint will, for the most part, stay stable. You may experience mild to moderate pain, some swelling in the area and/or tenderness to the touch.
Why is caution important?
Caution can help you avoid making the problem worse—in some cases, much worse—before qualified medical providers can get on the scene, or before you can make it to the doctor's office. This is especially true when you couple the caution with common-sense measures.
Can a non-medical person know if a neck injury is a traumatic event?
It's often difficult for non-medical people to truly know the extent of a painful ne ck injury or condition. When trauma first happens, or pain first comes on, the tendency is to either blow it out of proportion or minimize it, perhaps to our own detriment.
Is neck trauma serious?
The good news is, trauma to the neck is rarely serious and even less often life-threatening. That said, an abundance of caution is a good thing immediately following an injury, or when your symptoms flare-up.