A pulled neck muscle can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are several things you can do to help ease the pain and promote healing. Here are some tips from the search results:
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Use a neck collar: Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort. Collars can be very useful when used a few hours here and there.
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Apply heat: Apply heat, either with a heating pad or by using a warm whirlpool bath if one is available, after a day or two, once the acute pain calms down. One of the best ways to loosen neck muscles is with gentle heat. You may wrap a heating pad in a towel and place it on your neck. Or you may stand under a warm shower for a few minutes to loosen tight neck muscles.
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Stretch and strengthen: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles can speed recovery from a painful neck condition and possibly reduce flare-ups. A physical therapist can offer guided therapeutic exercise.
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Try massage: A massage can loosen up and relax the muscles, as well as increase blood flow to the damaged tissues, which may provide some relief.
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Take pain relievers: Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help reduce the pain and any swelling. Muscle relaxants can also help ease the pain.
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Alternate heat and cold: Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 15 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours. After that, use heat. Try taking a warm shower or using a heating pad on the low setting.
Its important to note that if you have severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, pain that radiates down the arms and legs, or numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs, you should seek immediate medical attention.
