Neck pain can be caused by a range of different reasons, from a serious spinal injury to a mild muscle strain. Uncomfortable positioning and poor posture are common causes for neck pain so they must be avoided. Symptoms can range from paralysis and neurologic deficit to respiratory disturbances and mild aches. It is very important, however, to take neck pain serious, as it could be indicative of a spinal fracture. That said, if it is not serious, then home remedies for neck pain may be all you need.

You should seek medical assessment to determine whether or not your neck pain is serious. If you experience sudden neck pain following an accident, then you must not be moved at all, as this could worsen a spinal injury. If the injury is at T3 (thoracic spine) or above, all movement and sensation below the injury will be lost, and breathing will be impaired. If the injury is at the neck, spinal shock, breathing problems, and neurologic deficits can happen. These are medical emergencies and no home remedies for neck pain should be attempted.

What Are the Home Remedies for Neck Pain?

1. Hot Packs or Hot Compresses

If the neck pain is minor, for instance if caused by a muscle strain, various treatments are available. Hot packs or hot compresses can be applied to the muscles for relief. Heat, through moist heating pads or hot water bottles, tend to be very beneficial. Dry heat, by contrast, can damage the skin. When heat is applied, vasodilation occurs, improving blood flow. However, it is important to avoid damaging or burning the skin, so heat should only be applied for short periods of time and under supervision if someone has impaired sensation (common with diabetes mellitus, for instance).

2. Cold Packs

Interestingly, cold packs are equally effective, and particularly if there is swelling at the site. While hot packs cause vasodilation, cold ones lead to vasoconstriction, which stops inflammation from setting in. Furthermore, cold packs can be very helpful in lowering pain sensations. Again, however, it is important to not allow the cold to touch the skin directly. Instead, they should be placed within a cloth material.

Whether applying hot or cold packs, it should last no longer than 15 to 20 minutes. If used longer, it could have detrimental effects because of the vasodilation or vasoconstriction. Five minutes after applying the pack, the skin should be checked to make sure no further injury is occurring.

Over-the-Counter Drugs:

If this doesn't work, medication will be the only other option. There are a number of over the counter remedies available, most of which people have in their at home medicine cupboard. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Mefenamic acid, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen. No prescription is required to obtain these medications. However, do make sure you read the label, as it may counteract with other medications you already take, or have effects on other medical conditions. You must also take the appropriate dosage. It is not recommended to self-medicate for longer than 48 hours, so you may want to make an appointment with your physician.

If you find that the pain doesn't respond to treatment, gets worse despite treatment, or becomes chronic, you must seek medical assistance. Make sure you provide the physician with your full medical history. This includes telling them about any over the counter and at home remedies you have tried.