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How do I make my neck feel better after pulling a muscle?
Basic self-help takes care of most routine neck pain flare-ups:
- Use cold to numb the early acute pain and reduce inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain.
- Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort.
How can I relieve neck pain?
If you have minor neck pain or stiffness, take these simple steps to relieve it:
- Apply ice for the first few days.
- Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting.
- Exercise your neck every day.
- Use good posture.
Will neck pain go away on its own?
Neck pain is common and tends to go away on its own within a few days. Poor posture and muscle strain or tension are some common causes of neck pain. Some people will have more severe neck pain, sometimes with additional symptoms that occur in nearby areas.
Can lifting weights cause neck pain?
Whether working full-time as a construction worker or helping a friend move across town, doing physical labor that involves carrying heavy items or holding the neck at awkward positions can lead to neck strain and stiffness. Some common examples include: Lifting or carrying objects that are too heavy.
Should I go to the gym if I have neck pain?
When Should I Start Exercising? As long as your doctor says it’s OK, you should start as soon as possible to ease stiffness and pain. Resting for too long, usually anything more than a couple of days, will make it harder to get moving again. Don’t exercise if you have severe neck pain or weakness in your hands or arms.
What does a strained neck feel like?
Neck strains are usually felt in the back of the neck, or mostly in the neck and partially in a nearby region, such as the back of the head, upper back, and/or shoulder. Achy or throbbing pain. A dull, nagging pain may persist and potentially affect sleep at night and/or concentration during the day.
How long does it take for neck pain to go away?
Acute neck pain usually goes away within about one to two weeks. In some people it comes back again in certain situations, such as after work or intensive sports. If the symptoms last longer than three months, it’s considered to be chronic neck pain.