A wrap that you place around your neck to exude warmth can relax tense muscles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, it can soothe and comfort a variety of conditions, especially in children. This home remedy is best used for many conditions as an adjunct to medical treatment. If you have a sore or swollen jaw, tonsils or continuous headaches, consult your doctor for a full analysis. A hot neck wrap alone may not fully resolve your medical issue.
Types
You can buy a commercial neck wrap that includes inner sleeves or gel packs to be heated, make one at home or use a combination of warm water and a washcloth. Many neck wraps, whether commercial or home-made, include scented or herbal components to purportedly aid in healing. If you have allergies to particular scents or are sensitive to certain herbs, check the ingredients of any wrap before applying it to your neck.
Function
A hot neck wrap serves to soothe the area on which it is placed -- primarily, the neck, though the throat, jaw and base of the skull may also be included. For a child with tonsillitis or mumps, a hot neck wrap can help minimize the pain. For an adult with a tension headache, a hot neck wrap can help soothe and relax the muscles of the neck and rising up the back of the head, loosening the muscles that may be causing the headache.
Benefits
A hot neck wrap is a complementary therapy that may induce feelings of relaxation and calm, especially if it includes scents, such as lavender. In addition, it may help minimize pain. It is generally inexpensive, and can be made at home with minimal sewing needs. For those who have no sewing skills, a bowl of scented or simply warmed water and a washcloth can suffice, making a hot neck wrap a quick and relatively easy option to try if you have a headache, for example.
Considerations
If you use a hot neck wrap on a regular basis, invest in one that has a washable outer sleeve and an inner pad that can be warmed quickly. Many neck wraps have inner pads that can be placed in the microwave for a few minutes before being placed in the sleeve for wrapping. In addition, look for one that is long enough to comfortably drape around your neck so that you don't have to fuss with it to keep it on top of your shoulders and around your neck.
Warning
If your child has a continuous fever, white patches on her throat or is listless, simply treating the pain in her jaw and neck with over-the-counter pain medications and hot neck wraps won't suffice. She may have mumps, tonsillitis, strep throat or mononucleosis, all of which require a pediatrician's care, antibiotics and careful home care management. If you're an adult who regularly uses hot neck wraps to soothe a headache, check with your doctor to be sure the headache is not significant of a more severe medical condition.
Member Comments