Ice is GREAT ... IF used for more than 15-20 minutes, and even better if used for 30 as it induces vaso-dilation and increases blod flow, and healing rates. I'd advise to moist heating (30-45min), light stretching (to pain tolerance), and the then Icing for 30 minutes. Put a towel around the ice bag or you can give yourself frostbite and that won't do you any good.
Just saw this thread pop up and did not see anyone mention a TENS unit. (Electro stim).
I used to get pinched nerves in my neck all the time....mostly stress related. They are so bad that I can rotate my head more then 5deg or I get very strong piercing pain.
My friend is a chiro. That worked wonders, but he sent me home with a TENS unit for when I get them occasionally. It works wonders to relax the muscles. I run 2-10 min cycles at night and then it is generally about 50-75% better when I wake up. I will do it again, and it will all but eliminate it. MUCH quicker then just resting it.
You can find them on ebay for about 40-50$. Just search TENS unit.
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