Neck > Neck Strains > Treatments

   R.I.C.E., Bracing, Physical Therapy

Home Recovery

Non-surgical treatment can usually heal neck strains. Physicians typically prescribe a combination of R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), neck bracing, medication, and physical therapy. Immediately after you suffer a neck strain, you may want to follow the routine known as R.I.C.E. until symptoms go away:

   Rest - your doctor will likely suggest that you refrain from sports activities, and lay down for a few hours at a time every day until your neck strain heals. Just the weight of your head puts pressure on the neck, lengthening recovery time.

   Ice - initially, your doctor will likely recommend applying ice packs to the neck for about 20 minutes every three or four hours. You will probably need to do this for two or three days or until the pain subsides, and you may need to do it after exercise or activities.

   Compression - Doctors occasionally recommend neck braces, called cervical collars, which compress the neck and hold it in place. Most patients do not require a neck brace. For rare, severe sprains, your neck may have to be immobilized for up to six weeks.

   Elevation - Raising the head and neck to a level higher than the heart helps reduce swelling. Try to use extra pillows when lying down.

Neck braces are typically only worn for a short time until your pain subsides and you are comfortable supporting the weight of your own head again. Your physician will decide when the neck brace is no longer needed and send you to a physical therapist to begin stretching and strengthening exercises. The time it takes to heal neck strains can vary:

   Mild strains typically heal in two to ten days.

   Moderate strains may need ten days to six weeks to heal.

   Severe strains can take between six and ten weeks to heal.

Your physician will probably prescribe a few regular check-up visits if you have a moderate or severe strain, but most of the treatment can be done at home.

Neck strains can cause a varying degree of discomfort and hindered neck movement. Many people can ease their pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen and aspirin, though your physician may prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants. Household tasks, like lifting objects and opening and closing doors and windows, may be difficult after a neck strain. Physicians generally recommend that you avoid physical activities until your neck has healed. It can be helpful to arrange for someone to visit you after a neck strain to help with any physical chores.

After 72 hours, your physician may prescribe heat therapy. Many types of heating pads are available and physicians generally teach you to use them at their discretion. Almost any type of over-the-counter heating pad can deliver adequate heat to your neck. Usually, patients can significantly relieve pain with a morning and nighttime heat application. Ointments and massage also may be used to soothe muscle pain. Your physician will decide when it is safe to begin neck massage. When you are comfortable holding the weight of your head without a neck brace, it usually is safe to begin physical therapy.

During rehabilitation for your neck strain, you will most likely need to do several exercises to stretch the neck muscles and build their strength. This helps relieve stress to the vertebrae in your neck and minimize the risk of straining your neck in the future. After each physical therapy session, an ice massage may offer good pain relief for neck strains, particularly in the first few weeks after the injury. Rub the ice around your neck for five to ten minutes. When swelling and pain has been reduced, your physician may recommend that you begin rehab exercises. Your physician and physical therapist will decide on a custom rehab program that varies depending on your body type, level of involvement in activities, and severity of neck strain. You progress through rehab at your own pace, depending on the severity of your neck strain and your body’s ability to heal. It may take up to ten weeks to return to activities if you have suffered a severe neck strain. But mild strains can often be successfully rehabilitated in one or two weeks. The intensity and duration of stretching and strengthening exercises increases as your neck heals. In general, rehabilitation of the neck muscles can be broken into three parts:

   Stretching – Physical therapists can teach you the most effective ways to stretch your neck. Rehab includes side-to-side, forward, backward, twisting, upward, and downward stretches. After a neck strain, you will likely have restricted motion in your neck. Over time, your ability to stretch farther in all directions will probably increase.

   Strengthening – Once your neck has achieved normal flexibility, you can usually begin strengthening exercises. Your physical therapist may recommend many different exercises to strengthen your neck muscles. Tilting your neck in different directions against resistance and shrugging your shoulders while holding barbells in your hands are two of the most common examples of neck strengthening exercises.

   Return to activities – Your physical therapist can make sure you have a full and pain-free range of motion before your rehab is finished. Progressive functional drills, which teach you proper technique for your favorite activities, are usually the final phase of rehab.

Rehabilitating a neck strain can be difficult because so many daily activities, like lifting objects, can cause pain during the first few weeks. Try to be patient and follow your physical therapist’s instructions.

RELATED TOPICS

   Neck strain rehabilitation exercises

To prevent the recurrence of neck strains, you should make the stretching and strengthening you learned in rehab part of your regular exercise routine. A strong and flexible neck may be more able to withstand any abnormal positions and strain that occur during sports and activities. Before activities, remember to warm up your neck muscles by stretching in all directions. Tight neck muscles may be more apt to pull or tear. If you play contact sports, be sure to wear properly sized protective gear, like helmets or shoulder padding. When sports involve direct contact, like football, rugby, and ice hockey, the initial point of contact should be the shoulder or chest, and not the head.