-
Is heat good for neck pain?
I have neck pain and want to treat it. Is heat good for neck pain?
4 Answers
Both heart and cold can be helpful.
Yes, it can be. Heat causes muscles to relax and increases blood flow, allowing pain-dampening chemicals to flow to the affected area. For acute trauma and pain ice is indicated. Once that 48 to 72-hour period has passed then usually heat offers better relief. Don't forget to have the area affected evaluated to determine the cause of the pain and treat it accordingly.
Chronic neck pain that is caused by tight contracted muscles does respond to heat therapy.
It depends on the type of pain you have. If it's an achy pain, we recommend heat. Any sharp pain, we recommend ice.