Health Tips for January 28

Health Tip: Managing Neck Pain

If you've sustained a minor injury to your neck, there are things you can do to get the pain under control.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Apply an ice pack for the first two or three days, followed by a few days of applying heat, such as by taking a hot shower or using a heating pad.
• Gently exercise and stretch the neck, with up-and-down and side-to-side motions.
• Have someone lightly rub or massage your neck.
• Use a neck pillow or no pillow at all when you sleep. A firm mattress will help, too.

Health Tip: Help Manage Back Pain

When you begin to feel back pain, resist the urge to stay in bed for a prolonged period. It's better to remain active, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

As long as you don't have a serious underlying medical problem that's causing your pain, the UMMC offers these suggestions for how to tame it:

• For the first few days, take it easier, but only for a few days. After that, gradually become more active until you're back to your regular routine.
• Apply either heat or ice to your sore back -- whichever feels better. You can also alternate between the two, starting with ice for the first two or three days, followed by muscle-relaxing heat beginning the next day.
• If it's OK with your doctor, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Take a warm bath before bed to soothe your back and help you sleep.
• Sleep with a pillow between your legs (if on your side), or under your knees (if on your back).