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Neck Wrap for Warmth & Pain Relief

A stiff or sore neck can be anything from a mild annoyance to completely debilitating. Perhaps you slept in the wrong position or strained the muscles working out, whatever the reason, a painful neck is something that does not easily fade or become ignored. One way to dealing with this problem and helping alleviate the pain is with a neck wrap. These warm, soothing wraps dull the pain and relax the muscles, helping you relax as well. If pain persists for more than a couple of days, see your doctor.

  1. Store Bought

    • The most common neck wraps are those that are bought in stores. Sold in just about any drug or grocery store, these neck wraps are usually one-size-fits-all microwavable products. Many popular brands carry these, some containing dual ice and heat modes for use depending on the severity of the neck pain. The heat-only ones work well for dull throbbing pain as well as tense muscles, as the heat will help you relax and relieve the stressed area. Typically you can make these store bought solutions even more comfortable by wrapping them in a towel after microwaving, creating in essence a warm pillow. But if you wish to go to that trouble you might find it more appealing to make your own neck wraps with home ingredients.

    Homemade

    • There are several ways to go about making a heated neck wrap at home, some more effective for longer use than others. You may prefer a more comfortable but shorter term use. This is good for quickly soothing sore muscles or getting warm while unwinding for a few minutes. For this you will need a soft bath towel and some hot water. Simply soak the towel in water that you've made as hot as you think you can handle. Wring any excess water out of the towel to avoid dripping and then roll the towel up. Simply wrap the roll around the back of your neck and relax. Eventually the warmth will dissipate and you can choose to re-soak the towel or continue about your business. For a longer-lasting warmth without re-heating you may consider making a rice-filled wrap. Fill an old sock or other thick cloth sack with some uncooked rice. Microwave for one to two minutes and then wrap around your neck. The rice will remain hot for a considerable amount of time, and should still be pliable enough to mold to your neck and allow you to lie back in a relaxed position.

    Aromatherapy

    • For the ultimate addition to a homemade neck wrap you can add some aromas. This won't necessarily help ease pain like the heat will, but the scents of the aromas will do wonders to help you relax and unwind. Add a couple drops each of lavender oil and peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water. Then soak a towel and make a hot towel wrap as described above with this aroma-infused water. Since the goal of aromatherapy is relaxation more than pain relief the fact that it won't stay warm as long as a rice wrap isn't a concern. The added scents will create a very calm atmosphere and can help relax the irritation away from the neck.

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