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Cures for neck sprain
Is it good to apply heat to a sprained neck? How long does it typically last?
(10 Apr 2007)
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Heat treatments are more effective for chronic conditions such as overuse and injuries. It helps to loosen the tissues and improves blood flow to the area. Avoid using heat after an acute injury or after any activity.
You can use a hot towel or a heating pad on the affected areas. Use moderate heat to avoid burns. Also avoid keeping the heat on the body for too long. Home remedies which are more suitable for treating a neck sprain are as follows;
- Get adequate rest. Rest for at least a couple of days to relax the affected muscles.
- Use an ice pack to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Place some ice cubes in a bag and hold against the neck for about ten minutes. Do this after every two hours initially.
- Comfrey oil can be used to massage the affected area. A gentle massage helps to alleviate pain and also relaxes the aching muscle.
- Dilute some thyme oil in warm water and use as a compress.
- Bilberry extract may be used to relieve pain due to its flavonoid content.
- Maintain good posture since slumping or slouching can cause the lower back to push forward. This causes the upper back to curve backward and this exerts strain on the neck.
- A couple of days after the sprain, perform gentle exercises such as turning the neck from side to side.
- Use a chair with good back support and avoid sitting in one position for too long.
- Certain yoga exercises will also be a great help; however do this only after consultation with a yoga trainer.
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answered by G M on 29 Jan 2012, 11:38:23
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What are the causes and symptoms of neck sprains?
A neck sprain is the result of a sudden movement which causes the neck to flex or extend too far. A muscle or ligament sprain in the neck is usually referred to as a neck sprain. Some of the common causes of neck sprain include strain on the shoulder or upper back, a whiplash injury which is very common in car accidents and sports and a blow to the head. These sudden movements can cause a tear or sprain in one of more neck muscles or ligaments which results in a neck sprain. Other than understanding just the causes of neck sprain we also need to consider certain risk factors for a neck sprain such as reckless driving, contact sports, not wearing a seat belt in the car and also weak neck ligaments and muscles. Some of the common neck sprain symptoms an individual may experience include pain in the neck which increases with movement, neck pain on the sides, weakness in the arms or a tingling sensation. Besides these there could also be pain or spasms in the shoulders or shoulder back, pain in the back of the head, sleeping difficulty, sore throat, stiff neck, fatigue, irritability and even pain in the back of the head.
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answered by G M on 9 Jan 2012, 3:03:40
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Heat pads, hot showers and heat lamps can be applied for a sprain. But, the etiology of the sprain is important.
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answered by r k on 10 Apr 2007, 4:07:55
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