1. Exercise Each Day
If you experience neck pain, walking may relax your muscles while increasing blood flow to the area, which may alleviate your pain. Swimming removes pressure from your neck while you exercise, any may treat your neck pain by improving blood flow to the area. If you get between 20 and 30 minutes of walking or swimming in each day while your neck still hurts, you may notice a significant reduction in your pain and your neck might heal faster. However, rotating your head back and forth while swimming may exacerbate some neck pain.
2. Ice Your Neck
Applying ice packs to your neck constricts the blood vessels to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel before placing it against your neck. This will keep the pack from damaging your skin and the underlying tissues. Don't use the packs for more than five minutes at a time, since the cold from can seep through the towel to injure your skin. Use ice packs to treat your neck as often during the day as you feel is necessary. Once the swelling decreases, apply warm packs to the neck to get the blood flowing again to speed healing.
3. Take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve neck pain, but if these don't work, ask your doctor to prescribe a prescription painkiller. Follow the directions closely. Excessive alcohol consumption is contraindicated for many prescription painkillers, and some drugs can be habit-forming. Stop taking them as soon as your neck pain abates.
