Instructions for Acute Neck Injury
- Apply ice to the prescribed area for 10-15 minutes per hour as many hours as you can for the first few days after onset of pain.
- Do not leave the ice on for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
- Do not put the ice pack directly against your skin. There must be at least a paper towel barrier (unless the pack has its own cover).
- Do not reach overhead.
- Do not use the computer, especially a laptop.
- Do not use your cell phone for texting or the internet.
- Use warm showers only to clean yourself, do not let the hot water beat on your neck.
