How effective is neck pain treatment at home?

Home treatment for neck pain, including heat and ice packs, may be effective to speed recovery even if the patient requires prescription treatment, according to WebMD. There is no strong evidence that home treatments provide significant improvement.

Heat therapy can be applied every two to three hours using a heating pad or by taking a warm shower, states WebMD. Single-use heat wraps that last up to eight hours can be substituted. Ice packs are an alternative to heating methods.

Stretching and lengthening exercises for mobility and flexibility help the muscles stay strong and reduce stiffness, notes WebMD. Massaging the area stimulates blood flow, as does mild aerobic exercise such as walking.