The Best Neck Ice Packs

Whether you are suffering from chronic neck pain or a simple strain, a neck ice pack can make a world of difference. Cold therapy numbs pain and reduces inflammation, giving you back your normal range of motion. Check out our guide to the best neck ice packs, and get back to enjoying your favorite activities.

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Ways of Treating Neck Pain

Besides icing, there are a number of steps you can take in the comfort of your own home to alleviate neck pain and accelerate healing. Speak with your doctor if your symptoms include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, or your neck pain persists for longer than a few days.

• Heath Therapy

  If your neck pain is caused by an injury, your first port of call should be an ice pack. This is because cold therapy is a great way of numbing pain and preventing inflammation. After a couple of days, however, heat can be used on the affected area to soothe achy muscles. Be sure to never fall asleep with a heating pad or an ice pack, as they can cause skin irritations and injuries.

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• Stretching

  Gentle exercises are great for stretching the muscles, particularly if you are suffering from a stiff neck. Some of the exercises to try include rolling your shoulders backward and forward, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and bringing your shoulders to your ears. Massage can also alleviate neck muscle tension and spasms.

• Medication

  Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, can alleviate neck pain and inflammation. Do remember that medication is a short-term solution, and should not be taken over a prolonged period of time. Alternatively, rub a small amount of an anti-inflammatory gel into the affected area.

• Better Posture

  Neck strain is often caused by repetitive activities that require your head to be tilted at an angle or held too far forward, such as hunching over a computer or texting. If you are suffering from neck pain due to overuse, it is crucial that you limit the activities that are causing your discomfort or avoid them altogether.

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Tips for Making the Most Out of a Neck Ice Pack

• How Does an Ice Pack for Neck Work?

  Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, numbs pain by lowering skin temperature and nerve activity. Icing also constricts blood vessels to minimize swelling following an injury. The tightening of the blood vessels also helps to drain lactic acid from fatigued muscles, ensuring that you recover faster after exercise.

• How to Use an Ice Pack for Neck?

  Ice packs should be placed flat in the freezer to ensure that the gel is uniformly distributed along the pack prior to freezing. An ice pack should never be placed directly on the skin as it can cause skin irritations or even frostbite. If your ice pack does not come with a protective sleeve, place a towel or a layer of clothing between the product and your skin.

• How Long Should I Ice My Neck?

  An ice pack should not be applied to the neck for longer than 20 minutes at a time. While you can use an ice pack several times a day, you should let your muscles warm up between treatments. If your neck pain is caused by an injury, only apply ice to the affected area for the first 48 hours after injury.

• What are the Features to Look for in an Ice Pack?

  Most ice packs contain gel to remain flexible after chilling. This means that they conform to the shape of the body for maximum contact with the affected area. Many ice packs also double as heat packs, making them ideal for relaxing sore muscles. Some cold packs come with plush sleeves to prevent ice burns, as well as Velcro straps for hands-free therapy.

Weighing All the Factors

Whether your neck pain is chronic or acute, placing an ice pack on the back of the neck can help to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Made from latex-free vinyl, Arctic Flex’s neck ice pack is both pliable and tear-resistant. Coming close second, Huggaroo’s hot and cold neck wrap and FlexiKold’s gel neck ice pack are also great choices if you are looking for ease-of-use and durability.