You likely have heard about using a hot or cold compress for your neck pain — but when do you need to ice, and when should you reach for the heat?

So far, there’s no evidence that cold or heat is more beneficial than the other for easing pain or strain. That said, professionals generally recommend icing new or swollen injuries. When the swelling has subsided, heat is advised to relieve any lingering tension or stiffness.

Here’s what to know.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that both ice and heat are beneficial for neck pain.

In general, ice is recommended for:

• acute neck injuries (like whiplash)
• sudden onset pain
• swelling
• soothing muscles after exercise

And heat is recommended when:

• swelling has diminished
• you have chronic or recurring neck stiffness and tension
• warming up muscles prior to stretching or exercise

Ice or use heat for about 20 minutes several times a day for injuries, or as often as needed to feel relief.

The basic ideaTrusted Source is that ice curbs the sudden pain from a new injury by constricting blood vessels, slowing circulation, and reducing swelling.

This is ideal for numbing the sensation from muscle spasms or more extreme pain. If you’re on bedrest due to neck pain or strain, ice is probably ideal.

Heat, meanwhile, helps sootheTrusted Source chronic stiffness and tight muscles by improving circulation.

This allows more nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to the affected area, which can promote healing. It also helps loosen up tight muscles and make tissue more flexible. When you’re off bedrest and want to continue with day-to-day tasks, heat is ideal.

Keep in mind that according to an older studyTrusted Source, those who visited the emergency room for acute back or neck pain benefitted equally from hot or cold therapy combined with ibuprofen.

So it may not matter whether you choose heat or ice, but rather what feels best for your unique situation.

You may want to alternate between hot and cold therapy for optimal results.

Did you know that neck pain is the fourth leadingTrusted Source cause of disability? If your neck pain is interfering with your daily quality of life, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor.

You should also seek emergency medical care if:

• you experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in one arm or hand
• your neck pain was caused by a sudden injury (like a car accident or sports incident)
• your symptoms don’t decrease after a week of self-care
• the pain worsens when you lie down
• the pain keeps you up at night
• you lose control of bowel movements or urination
• you’re having difficulty with walking or balancing