Table of Contents
How long should a sprained neck last?
Most symptoms of neck sprain will go away in 4 to 6 weeks. However, severe injuries may take longer to heal completely.
How do you get rid of 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.
What do you do for a badly strained neck?
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.
- Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort.
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.
How should I sleep with a sprained neck?
If you’re dealing with neck discomfort, the best positions for sleep are on your back or side. These are both less stressful on your spine than sleeping on your stomach. It may be difficult to change your sleeping position, since your preferred position is often determined early in life.
Can a neck sprain heal on its own?
Most neck strain or sprains heal on their own within a few days. During the healing process, pain may vary from mild to severe.
Can I massage a stiff neck?
Massage. Massaging can help reduce the tension in your muscles that may be making your neck stiff. There are massages you can do on yourself. However, we recommend asking a partner to massage your neck or visiting a professional for help.
When is neck pain serious?
Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.
Can a neck injury heal on its own?
Will a hot shower help neck pain?
Water Therapy Hydrotherapy is another great remedy for neck pain, which can be easily done while taking a shower. The force of water reduces pain and soreness on the neck. You just have to target the area of pain with warm water first for three to four minutes.
Should you massage a pulled neck muscle?
Gently rub the area to relieve pain and help with blood flow. Do not massage the area if it hurts to do so. Do not do anything that makes the pain worse.