My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

A to Z Guides

Email a Friend

Print Article

Neck Pain

Font Size

Home Treatment

Even if you need medical treatment such as prescription medicines for your neck pain, the following home treatment measures will help speed your recovery.

Heat or ice

Recommended Related to Back Pain

What's Making Your Back Hurt?

When you've got back pain, one of the best questions you can ask is, "Why is it happening?" That can be the first step to helping the problem. Common causes for back pain include: Muscle and ligament injuries. These are the most common causes of back pain. Shoveling snow or helping a friend move her couch can sometimes overstretch the muscles or ligaments. You can wind up with strains or sprains. Most of these injuries heal in a few days to weeks. Disc injuries...

Read the What's Making Your Back Hurt? article > >

There is not strong evidence that either heat or ice will help. But it won't hurt to try them.

Use a heating pad on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
Take a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad.
You can buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours.
Try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.

Get moving, but carefully

Ease back into your normal daily activities as soon as you can. Movement helps your muscles stay strong.
Avoid activities such as lifting and sports that make pain and stiffness worse.
Do stretching and strengthening exercises to keep your neck flexible and strong and prevent stiffness.
Avoid or change any activities that may be causing your neck pain, such as sitting for a long time at the computer or doing too much overhead work at a time.
Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Don't massage the injured area if it causes pain. Nonprescription creams or gels, such as Bengay, may provide pain relief.

Take pain relievers

Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can help relieve pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (such as Advil), and naproxen (such as Aleve), can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

Practice good health habits

Try to reduce stress and tension at work and home.
Practice muscle relaxation exercises.
Consider getting a massage.
Stop smoking. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.
Exercise regularly, including aerobic exercise such as walking.

For more information, see the topics Stress Management, Quitting Smoking, and Fitness.

An important part of home treatment is learning how to keep from hurting your neck again. For more information, see Prevention.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 15, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.