Typically, heat it not recommended for sudden neck injuries or when swelling or discoloration occurs.
Heat can result in increasing of swelling and internal bleeding at the point of major damage.
Muscle strain resembles a cut on your finger.
There will be pain, bleeding and swelling.
You cannot use heat right up until the bleeding ceases and the tissues form a scab.
At first, using ice to alleviate neck pain is advisable, unless you wake up each morning with a stiff neck due to sleeping within a chilly draft.
In that case, heat is recommendable.
Here is the list of heat therapies that have been used to relieve neck pain these days.
1) Neck Wrap: Heat is known to relieve chronic neck pain related to joint disease or improperly treated neck injuries.
The simplest and most efficient way to use heat with the neck muscles is by using neck wraps developed especially for the neck.
2) Hot Water Bottle: Hot water bottles are often used for applying heat.
Fill up the bottle with hot water at 50% level.
Get rid of the extra air by squeezing it on top of the water level using your hands.
This will get the bottle to adapt more readily for your body.
Examine the heat with the back of your forearm or hand to ensure it is not too hot.
Use a towel to wrap around the bottle to give safety and comfort.
When you are done, hang the bottle inverted to let it dry.
A downside of this method is that water may cool down quite quickly and has to be changed often.
3) Hot Tub or Hot Shower: Heated whirlpools or hot tubs can ease joint stiffness and loosen off neck muscles.
The water temperature ought to be around 40 Celsius.
Higher water temperatures can develop a feeling of drowsiness and fever.
Never drink alcohol when using a hot tub.
However, this method is not highly recommended for neck pain.
It is better to use hot shower instead as it will be easier to control and provide better neck posture.
4) Electric Heating Pad: This is an alternative method to apply heat for neck pain relief.
However, this method is not highly recommended for neck pain as most electric heating pads are not made for the neck.
They have limited flexibility.
If you fall asleep during use and they are set too high, they may cause burns.
In addition, several electric heating pads use dry form of heat which might trigger irritation and congestion.
You must never lie on the heating pad.
Pins or other metal fasteners cannot be used.
You must not fold the heating pad sharply or use it without a cover.
A word of warning when using heat therapy on the neck: do not use creams, ointments or gels before applying the heat.
These may result in a numbing sensation and stop you from sensing precisely how hot the heat is on your neck.
A good approach following heat treatment is applying therapeutic herbal products since the warmness produced during heat application permits deeper penetration.