How to Treat Neck Pain for Soccer Players

When you are a soccer player, you will suffer from neck pain sooner or later. The pain may be caused by hitting the ball incorrectly or too hard, or it may hurt your neck in some other way. No matter how you injured your neck, you want the pain to go away quickly.
If you feel severe neck pain after exercising or playing, see your doctor immediately. Also see a doctor if you have persistent or recurring neck pain.
You may first feel discomfort in your neck when you tighten the muscles in your neck, upper back, and/or shoulders. You can measure how tight your neck muscles are by pressing your finger into the area between your shoulder and your neck; If there is too little give, your muscles are tight.

The best way to relieve tightness in your neck is to gently tighten the muscles. If your muscles are tight to the right, slowly bend your head and neck to the left while extending your right arm down and out to the side. Gentle massage can also help relieve tension in the muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Often ice is placed to treat an injury. However, it is not recommended to use ice for neck pain because the cold can cause your muscles to become more tense. Instead, use a warm washcloth or soak in a hot tub.