Is Using a Heating Pad Safe for Neck Sprain Recovery?

Is Using a Heating Pad Safe for Neck Sprain Recovery?

Neck sprains are a pain for busy college students. You might strain your neck from staring at your laptop for too long or from sleeping in a weird position. Regardless, it can mess up your whole day or week!

Many students browse the internet to find the efficacy and safety levels of a heating pad on a sprained neck.

We have the answers in this post. We also discuss the usefulness ofchiropractic adjustment in Tallahassee to speed up the recovery process.

What is a neck sprain and what are the causes?

A stretch in the neck ligaments results in neck sprain. Pain and swelling from a sprained neck is common among college students because of:

• Excess screen time: Looking down at your phone or laptop all day long will obviously put a strain on your neck.
• Clumsy sleeping positions: Curling on the couch after bingewatching your favourite series can twist your neck enough to get a sprain.
• Car accidents: Minor fender benders are a common issue among college students but they can create a nuisance when you get a whiplash injury.
• Sports injuries: Sudden impacts while playing can invite neck injuries.

The soreness or pain you feel when moving your neck can be maddening. All you want is relief so you resort to easy home remedies!

Does a heating pad work or do you need extensive neck sprain treatment in Tallahassee?

A heating pad can help but you should use it properly.

• Heat improves blood flow: Heat delivers more oxygen to the affected area. This way your body speedsup the healing process.
• Lessened stiffness: Heat relaxes the muscles around your neck and you can move without pain.
• Drops pain: Heat reduces the pain signals being sent to your brain, so you feel more comfortable.

Heat is best used after the initial swelling goes down. Things can get worse if you use heat while your neck is still swollen and inflamed. Wait for 48 hours which is the early stage of neck sprain. During this period it is better to use ice to reduce swelling.You should seek professional help before your condition gets worse.

How often should you use a heating pad?

Your swollen neck gets better after a couple of days. This is the phase when you can safely start using a heating pad.

• Use it for 15 minutes at once: Too much heat will irritate the, so keep the sessions short.
• Apply heat 3 times a day: Do not overdo heat therapy only use it a few times a day.
• Make sure it is warm not hot: Do not burn your skin with a very hot pad. Use a medium setting on your heating pad. You can put a cloth between the pad and your skin.

Heat therapy is useful but you can fasten the recovery by adding gentle neck exercises to your routine. You can also consult a chiropractic specialist in Tallahassee for stretching recommendations. Their guidance can improve your flexibility and reduce stiffness.

When should you avoid heat?

Heat is useful for most neck sprains but there are some times when you should avoid using it:

• Avoid heat if your neck is still swollen. Heat can make inflammation worse during the first 48 hours.
• Things will not go as planned if you use heat while you have a fever.
• Do not continue the heat therapy if the pain gets worse. Stop and consult a healthcare professional.

How can chiropractors in Tallahassee Florida help?

The heating pad is a great at-home remedy but it is not enough to completely heal a neck sprain. If you are a busy student then a sprained neck needs proper treatment otherwise it will affect your college life.

Trust the specialization of chiropractors who can treatall your spine and neck pain issues. College students with neck sprains can get a naturalnon-invasive treatmentthrough chiropractic care.

• Chiropractic adjustments: Chiropractors can align your neck with gentle corrections that are pain-free. This relieves ligaments, and your neck heals faster.
• Targeted exercises: Chiropractors provide personalized exercises to strengthen your neck and improve posture. These exercises can prevent future sprains.
• Therapeutic massage: Some chiropractors offer massage therapy to relax tight muscles around the injured area. It can complement the benefits of heat therapy.

College students seeking chiropractic care report thattheir neck sprain recovery sessionseven improved their overall back health. That is a big bonus for those whosit for hours in front of a computer every day.

Tips to ward offneck sprains

It is better to avoid getting neck sprain in the first place. Here are a few tips for college students to prevent neck injuries:

1. Correct your posture: Sit with a straight back when you are in class or typing on your laptop. Be mindful of slouching habits and keep your head aligned with your spine.
2. Take rest from screens: Every 30 minutes you should stretch your neck and shoulders to relieve tension.
3. Sleep with right support: Get a pillow that supports your neck. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or be ready to suffer from neck pain in the morning.
4. Exercise habitually: Make your neck and shoulders strong through regular exercise. Even simple yoga stretches are great for avoiding strains.
5. Be aware of your backpack: Heavy weight can cause neck and back strain. Order a backpack with padded straps for even weight distribution.

When should I search for the best rated chiropractor near me?

See a chiropractor when a few days of using heat and rest shows no relief. Chiropractors can assess your injury and recommend treatments tailored to your needs. You can consult with Dr. Eric at our clinic under the following conditions:

• The pain is severe or getting worse.
• You have trouble moving your neck or turning your head.
• The pain is spreading to your shoulders or arms.
• You experience numbness or tingling.

You can avoid long-term issues by getting timely treatment. If you wish to get back to your normal routine of studying and playing sports then you should not delay the spinal alignment sessions with Dr. Eric.

Conclusion

A heating pad is safe for neck sprain recovery. Make sure you use it at the right time and for the right amount of time. Combine heat therapy with chiropractic care can for a fast recovery.

As a college student, your time is valuable. So, save yourself from hours of googling for the “chiropractor open near me”. Simply make an appointment at Pragle Chiropractic, Accident And Injury Clinic Tallahassee. We are in the College Park neighbourhood, offering the most accessible car accident chiropractic treatment in 32301.