Which is Better For Your Neck Pain in Fanwood? Ice Or Heat?

It may have started suddenly with a quick turn of the head or lifting a bag of groceries.  Maybe you were at the gym and felt a twinge.  It could have been as a result of an accident.  It is even possible that you simply woke up with it from an awkward sleeping position.  What ever the case may be, you have it: neck pain.  Top Fanwood chiropractor Eric Chludzinski of Fanwood Back Relief Center wants to help you.

And  you are not alone,  as the American Osteopathic Association states that neck pain is one of the top three chronic pains that Americans suffer with. That includes lots of people in New Jersey, even residents of Fanwood.

So now what?  Should you apply ice or heat? That question might cause you to hesitate. You definitely want to feel better and certainly do not want to cause further damage. So which choice is best in Fanwood?

As a general rule of thumb the use of both ice and heat can be effective methods for reducing neck pain. However it is most effective to apply ice to an area that has inflammation and could appear red, swollen and be painful.  The ice will help constrict blood vessels and reduce the pain caused by nerve sensitivity in the area.  It is most common to apply ice during the initial 24 to 48 hours after the onset of the neck pain.

The application of heat to an injured area of the body can usually begin once the inflammation has subsided.  Heat will increase the blood flow to the area and help reduce muscle stiffness and pain.  Heating pads, hot packs, hot showers and hot, wet towels are good examples of methods of heat application.

In the cases of both ice and heat application it is best to apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time every few hours.  Whenever applying ice, Fanwood Back Relief Center is sure to put a protective layer on your skin, such as a lightweight towel or washcloth between the ice and your skin.

Always make sure to follow up with your chiropractor or physical therapist to address the underlying reason of your neck pain.  Fanwood Back Relief Center located in Fanwood, NJ is available to help you get relief from neck pain.