Neck pain: when to use a cold compress and when to use a hot one

Neck pain occurs quite often, especially when working at a computer, due to incorrect body position. However, few people know when a cold compress helps and when a warm one helps.

There is still no evidence that only cold or only heat is necessary to relieve neck pain. However, experts usually recommend applying cold compresses to newly injured or swollen areas. Once the swelling has subsided, it is recommended to apply heat to relieve any lingering tension or stiffness. Research shows that both ice and heat are beneficial for neck pain. Ice recommended:

• acute neck injuries (for example, bruise from sudden movement)
• sudden pain
• swelling
• soothe muscles after exercise.

Warm recommended in the following cases:

• when the swelling subsided
• you have chronic or recurring neck stiffness and tension
• you want to warm up your muscles before training.

For injuries, use ice or heat for about 20 minutes several times a day (as often as necessary to alleviate the condition). The basic idea is that ice reduces sudden pain from a new injury by constricting blood vessels. This slows blood circulation and reduces swelling. This is an ideal method to dull the sensations of muscle spasms or more severe pain.

Meanwhile, heat helps relieve chronic muscle stiffness and tension by improving blood circulation. This allows more nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to the affected area, which can promote healing. It also helps relax tense muscles and make the tissue in the area more elastic.

Keep in mind that according to relevant research, those who present to the emergency room with acute back or neck pain benefit equally from hot or cold therapy combined with ibuprofen (check with your healthcare provider!).

So it may not matter whether you choose heat or ice, but rather whatever works best for your unique situation. you also can alternate cold and hot for optimal results.

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