Usually they say ice the first 2-3 days and then heat after that. Some also suggest alternating ice and heat -- 20 minutes on and then the other. I have about 10 years experience with neck/back pain. I had surgery once due to a severely herniated disk and have turned down subsequent offers for more surgeries. Ice seems to help me the best -- heat is soothing and feels good while you are using it, but the relief from ice actually lasts a while. When the pain subsides a little I would "google" the neck pain you are experiencing and see if there are some stretching exercises to help. If we strengthen the muscles, they are not so susceptible to injury.
Try gently stretching the neck from side to side and front to back. Maybe some very slow neck rolls. Might even see if someone will give you a very gentle massage.
If you can, see if there is a low price medial clinic around. We had one open in town that has a sign out front -- Office Visits $40 -- can't beat that! It would be good to rule out any serious injury that might get worse without care. Good luck -- neck pain is no fun!! |