Home care for a neck injury includes:
- Perform wound care as directed by your doctor:
- Clean the skin gently.
- Use mild soap and water.
- Do not scrub the skin.
- Dry the skin.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Apply a cold compress:
- Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
- Apply warm compresses:
- Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours.
- Rest your neck.
- Avoid activities that cause neck pain.
- After 2-3 days, start:
- Neck stretching exercises
- Neck range of motion exercises
- Perform neck strengthening exercises.
- Acetaminophen for pain
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
- Maintain good posture.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
