I think I sprained my neck muscles last night when I fainted and hit my head. The faint had to do with too powerful of meds the doc gave me for the flu. Tonight My neck muscles are very sore and it is hard to turn my head to the right or left. SHould I put a hot pack on my neck tonight when I go to bed or a cold pack? Heat feels good but so does the cold. Any suggestions?
2007-08-27 17:40:00 · 9 answers · asked by Praire Crone 7 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Well i go against the grain on this one, I suffer a lot from neck strain, due to wear and tear in my neck~ and i use cold~ Helps best with the pain if you ask me!
You poor hon! You sure are having a rough time!
((((HUG))))
Ariel
2007-08-27 18:20:20 · answer #1 · answered by *~Ariel Brigalow Moondust~* 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put the cold pack on first to reduce the swelling of the muscles for about half an hour, and THEN use the hot pack to ease the pain. YOu can eliminate the hot pack and use the cold pack if you use Ben Gay or someother creame pain relieving lotion on the muscles of you neck, and just go with the cold pack. Hope this works for you.
BB,
Raji the Green Witch
2007-08-28 02:31:21 · answer #2 · answered by Raji the Green Witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heat works best for loosening up sore,tight muscles.
appy a heat pack (avoid direct contact w/skin) to your neck for about 10-15 mins at a time.
do not sleep with the heating pack or pad. this can cause burns and the pad could start a fire if left on for too long.
you can also take ibuprofen to help with the pain and ease the stiffness. take 200-400mg every 6 hours as needed but no more than 1200mg in 24 hours
hope this helps
2007-08-27 17:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by prncessang228 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should start out with a hot pack for the first 24 hours. Just make sure you don't get it to hot try using a moist towel in the microwave for 20 seconds. Then tommorrow start with the cold. A bag of frozen peas will work great. Or at least that's what I was told in physical therapy
2007-08-27 17:49:53 · answer #4 · answered by latasha_creech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok ice it for the first 24-48 hours on and off, then after that you can use heat. The cold is to help keep swelling down and to relive pain. The heat will loosen the muscles, and relax them. If you want after you can go buy those icy hot pads that work great. Get better!
2007-08-27 17:48:47 · answer #5 · answered by comediankid4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
definite cold pack for first 48 hrs
every 2 hrs to 1st 24 hrs
every 4 hrs 2nd 24 hrs.
each time for 15-20 mins
when apply ice packs neck should be above heart level so slightly inclind if laying down.
most important now. if you hit your head. i advise you do visit your doctor if your head hurts and getting head aches etc as a concussion is possible
2007-08-27 19:10:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to let your doc know that you hit your head. In regards to your neck, I would suggest ice for the first 24-48hrs. Then rotate between ice and heat thereafter.
Stay hydrated!
2007-08-27 17:48:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would do a hot pack because heat would work better on a muscle injury and it would make it easier to sleep. You would be able to move your neck easier.
2007-08-27 17:49:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
both, try intervals of 20 min, and an ibeprophen. good luck, get better.
2007-08-27 17:45:40 · answer #9 · answered by Holly M 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋