Cold therapy or cryotherapy is utilized to minimize the swelling and pain due to various injuries. When it comes to neck pain, there are various sources including sports injury, trauma or repetitive use but can be minimize by applying an ice pack or cold pack.
Always bear in mind that cold is considered as the first treatment option after injury to reduce the immediate pain as well as the degree of inflammation and intensity of the muscle spasms. The correct application of a cold pack can help reduce the neck pain, muscle tightness and swelling.
When is cold pack contraindicated?
Cryotherapy or cold therapy is not advisable over body areas where tingling, numbness or lack of sensation is present due to the degree of coldness that could not be felt. If an individual has the following medical conditions, cold therapy should not be used:
- Cold hypersensitivity
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Hives
- Skin irritation or rash due to cold exposure
Certain conditions such as healing wounds, cardiac conditions and high blood pressure are not contraindications to the use of ice packs, but further attention might be needed.
Physiology
Always bear in mind that heat and ice are the common forms of passive, non-invasive therapies. Cold therapy works by constricting the blood vessels, thus slowing down the circulation that leads to the reduction of swelling, pain and spasms.
Cold is ideally applied on fresh injuries. As for heat therapy, it sends additional flow of blood to parts of the body via vasodilation. When it comes to cold therapy, it should only be used during the initial 72 hours while heat is avoided. This is the acute phase right after the initial occurrence or re-occurrence of neck pain.
Proper application of cold packs
A cold pack must be placed over the sore area where the neck pain occurs. In case there is a muscle tension headache, the location where the cold pack is placed is on the upper part of the back of the neck where it connects to the skull.
Make sure that the ice pack is covered with a cloth or towel to help preserve its coldness. Do not apply cold therapy directly on uncovered skin. The skin should be protected from overexposure and potential skin and nerve damage by providing a barrier such as a towel in between the cold pack and the skin.
Time frame
The right time span for the application of ice is between 10-20 minutes. Take note that this must be followed by 60 minutes without cold on the location. After the 60-minute break, a cold pack can be applied for another 10-20 minutes. This cycle can be repeated a number of times to minimize the pain, muscle spasms and swelling in the neck. In case the pain lasts after 3 days, it is best to seek further care.
Cervical spine
The neck or cervical spine can become sore, swollen or tight from a variety of activities. The neck muscles connect the head to the vertebra, sternum, shoulder blades and collar bones.
The neck functions to move and support the head. Proper care to the neck is vital to overall fitness, health, productivity and functionality. The right application of a cold pack at the start of the neck condition is vital when caring for the injury, thus preventing further damage and early return to full efficiency.