Ways To Heal A Sprained Neck

We all suffer with neck pain or sprain during our day-to-day activities. There are many reasons such as staying in an awkward position for a long time, hunched over or forward while working on a computer or sleeping in a position that triggers neck sprain. Also, sometimes sport-activities can be a reason behind a sprained neck.

A neck sprain which results in a stiff neck makes the neck movements very difficult and painful. There are many ways to comfort your neck muscles and reduce the pain. You can try massage, some exercises, medicines or applying heat or cold treatment on the affected area.

Apply following ways and exercises to heal your neck sprain:
Use of Ice Cold Packs:
The use of ice cold packs on the affected area is a well-known way to reduce the pain. It helps reduce inflammation in the area and allows it to heal. One should apply it after every 20 minutes during the initial 24 hours. It helps ease the stiffed muscles.

Massage:
A good and gentle massage on the affected area can be of great benefit for a sprained neck. You can also use warm oil for it. A gentle massage, anyways, soothes the muscles around your neck and shoulders.

Anti-inflammatory medicines:
There are many anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen which help reduce the inflammation and pain. You can also take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. But always make sure you take medication under proper guidance.

Applying heat:
You can either apply the moist or dry heat on your sprained neck. You can take hot bath or keep a hot water bottle under your neck. Or you can buy a heat wrap from any medical store and use it around your neck. The heat helps increase the blood flow towards the affected area and stimulate the healing response.

Exercises:
A) Posterior neck rotation:
Sit on a chair with your back straight and feet wide apart. Bend your head forward as far as possible. Take your right hand and put it on the back of your head. While applying a gentle pressure on it, lower your head slightly. Stay in this position for one to two minutes. Repeat it at least 5 times.

B) Shoulder rolls:
Sit on the edge of a chair with your feet wide apart and move your shoulders in a circular motion. Lift your shoulders forward, up and then backward. Do this for at least 10 times. Repeat it in the opposite direction; backward, up and then forward.

C) Neck rotation:
Stand tall with your spine straight. Turn your neck on the right and stop when you feel the pressure on your neck. Put your left hand on the inside portion of your chin and push it a little to the right side. Relax. Repeat this 10 times and then do the same with your right hand while rotating your neck to the left side.

These are few ways and exercises to heal your neck sprain and do visit the doctor if the pain and stiffness stay for more than one week.