How to Treat a Neck Sprain

The neck is prone to sprains, because it is the least protected area of the spinal column with the most stresses demanded of it. If you've damaged a muscle, tendon or ligament in your neck area and have ruled out more severe conditions involving vertebrae or nerves, you can treat the sprain effectively and probably heal completely within a few days.

Things You'll Need

• Gel pack, bag of ice or bag of frozen peas
• Over-the-counter medication for pain and inflammation
• Information on stretching

Show More

Instructions

Contain the Pain

• 1

  Treat yourself immediately after a sprain for the best results.

• 2

  Take over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation that causes pain.

• 3

  Ice the injured area for immediate pain relief and additional suppression of inflammation. Alternate ice use for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off. A flexible gel pad gives great coverage on the neck.

• 4

  Use a topical anti-inflammatory gel from the first-aid aisle at your grocery or pharmacy for pain relief at times when an ice pack is too cumbersome.

Prevent a Rerun

• 5

  Continue anti-inflammatory treatment for at least 3 days following your injury, in order to prevent a relapse.

• 6

  Treat neck pain by increasing your freedom of movement in that area. Get a book such as "Stretching" and do this daily (see Resources below).