How to Prevent Neck Swelling

Unfortunately, neck pain is a common condition in our fast-paced, stressful world. When muscles in the neck become tight due to injury or tension, fluids begin to build in the tissue, aggravating discomfort and causing swelling. Taking steps to prevent and reduce neck swelling will not only help to relieve pain, it will also help to promote healing.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of water to prevent neck swelling. When muscles become injured or aggravated they release toxins into the surrounding tissues which can further aggravate problems if not flushed from the body. Water will not only help to keep the joint spaces and muscle tissues lubricated, it will also help to flush the toxins that promote further swelling.

• 2

  Maintain good posture, particularly if you sit for long periods of time. Make sure that your desk chair and computer are arranged so that your head is held upright, avoiding holding your head up, down or turned for long periods of time to prevent swelling and neck pain.

• 3

  Exercise your neck regularly by simply taking a moment to sit up straight, look both ways and rotate your head up and down. The simple motions of your neck will help to prevent the build-up of tension and keep bodily fluids moving instead of building up to create a problem.

• 4

  Make sure that your head is properly supported while sleeping. While you want your pillow to be large enough that is supports your neck from the shoulders to the back of the neck, you do not want it to be so high that your head is lifted above a straight line with your body. If you suffer from neck pain on a regular basis, you might consider purchasing a special pillow which is designed to give you proper neck and head support.

• 5

  Ice your neck when swelling is present to help push fluids away from the area and reduce pain. Ice can be applied three to four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Make sure that you protect your skin by placing a cloth between the ice pack and your neck.