Neck Strain Treatment: Take Immediate Action

The pain and discomfort associated with a neck strain is sure to slow you down. And if you don’t take care of it in the appropriate manner, there’s a greater chance that it’ll linger for weeks on end.

In addition to modifying your activities, here are some immediate treatment steps to take:

•    Ice therapy: Within the first 48 hours of suffering an injury, use ice therapy to reduce the swelling. Do this several times per day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
•    Heat therapy: Once 48 hours pass, consider switching to heat therapy. This improves blood circulation to the area, which accelerates the healing process.
•    Over the counter pain medication: An anti-inflammatory medicine, such as Aleve or Advil, can help “take the edge” off. You may still feel some pain and discomfort, but it won’t be nearly as severe.

If you do the above and don’t find any relief within a few days, it’s best to consult with a medical professional. You may assume you have a strained neck, but you could be dealing with a much more serious injury.

As with any injury, immediate treatment can go a long way in helping you make a fast and full recovery. Don’t wait!

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.