Neck pain: how heat can really soothe your body

Neck pain, stiffness upon waking, tension accumulated after hours in front of a screen…

The cervical spine is among the most sensitive areas of the human body. It is both strong, as it supports the head, and fragile, as it ensures fine and constant movement. Yet, few people pay attention to it on a daily basis. Dull pain at the end of the day, stiffness upon waking, muscle fatigue after several hours in front of a screen: these are all warning signs that are too often ignored.

These pains, initially minor, can become chronic when they become part of our sedentary routines. According to several studies, more than a third of adults suffer from recurring neck pain related to posture, stress, or lack of movement. Modern lifestyles—working on a computer, driving, using a mobile phone—exacerbate these tensions, particularly in people who are not very physically active.

Faced with this situation, many turn to simple and natural solutions, such as local heat , to relax muscles and soothe pain. But how does heat actually work? And above all, when and how should it be used to be truly effective?

Why are the cervical vertebrae so sensitive?

The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It connects the skull to the rest of the body and comprises seven vertebrae that allow for rotation, flexion, and extension of the neck. Dozens of small muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to these vertebrae, including the well-known trapezius muscles , responsible for head control and posture.

These muscles work tirelessly: they constantly support a head weighing approximately five kilograms, even when we remain still. The problem is that this continuous strain is not always accompanied by stretching or balanced movements.

A typical day speaks volumes: eight hours sitting in front of a screen, eyes tilted downwards; an hour commuting, head slightly forward; then another hour on the phone. This posture creates a muscular imbalance : the front neck muscles shorten, while those at the back contract to compensate. The result: tension, fatigue, and pain.

In addition to this, there are other aggravating factors:

• prolonged static posture (computer, driving, smartphone);
• stress and lack of sleep;
• drafts or cold , which stiffen muscle fibers;
• and the lack of warm-up before physical activity involving the upper body.

These factors promote muscle contraction , a phenomenon where the muscle hardens, blood circulation is reduced, and pain sets in. This is where heat comes in, capable of interrupting this vicious cycle.

Why heat relieves neck tension

Applying heat to a tense area is not simply a comfort reflex: it is a gesture based on precise physiological principles. Heat increases local temperature and causes vasodilation : blood vessels dilate, which improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients while promoting the elimination of metabolic waste.

This process leads to several beneficial effects:

• relaxation of muscle fibers ;
• reduction of stiffness ;
• pain relief ;
• improved mobility ;
• and accelerated recovery after exertion.

On a neurological level, heat also affects the transmission of pain signals . By stimulating certain nerve fibers, it reduces the perception of pain according to the gate control principle: a pleasant sensory input (heat) temporarily "scrambles" the pain message sent to the brain.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of local thermotherapy on neck and lower back pain. A 20- to 30-minute application can significantly reduce muscle tension and improve joint flexibility.

Unlike cold, which is recommended for acute inflammation (recent injuries, sprains, swelling), heat is perfectly suited to chronic muscle pain or pain of postural origin. It acts deeply, without irritating the skin or restricting movement.

When and how to use heat

The main advantage of heat is its versatility . Used at the right time, it becomes a daily ally for preserving neck mobility and preventing pain.

1. In the morning, upon waking

Morning stiffness is common, especially after a bad night's sleep or sleeping in an awkward position. Applying a warming balm upon waking stimulates circulation and loosens muscles. Gentle neck movements, such as side bends and slow rotations, enhance the warming effect.

2. Before physical activity

Before a workout or upper body warm-up, heat helps prepare muscles and reduce the risk of cramps. It promotes a rise in tissue temperature, thus mimicking the first phase of an active warm-up.

Applying a thin layer of warming balm to the nape of the neck or shoulders, then performing progressive joint mobilizations , creates a dual effect: thermal and mechanical.

3. After a day's work

This is the perfect time to release the tension accumulated from sitting. A warming massage, accompanied by slow, abdominal breathing, helps to relieve stress and soothe deep muscles.

This end-of-day routine can become a relaxation ritual , just like a hot shower or a light stretching session.

Use a warming balm properly

Warming balms and creams work by local effect : some ingredients cause a slight sensation of warmth, others stimulate microcirculation.

However, not all products are created equal. Some contain irritants like cinnamon or chili pepper , which create an artificial burning sensation. These formulas may be poorly tolerated, especially by those with sensitive skin or after exercise.

At Izom Athletic , the warming balm has been formulated without these harsh ingredients. Its gradual heat is based on a synergy of essential oils and natural extracts, for a gentle and controlled increase in temperature . The goal: to support the body without shocking it.

This type of balm can be used:

• on the nape of the neck, the trapezius muscles or the upper back , using circular massage;
• on the shoulders or arms , before a workout;
• or even as a relaxing self-massage in the evening.

Combining warmth and preventative measures

The warming balm is not a medicine, but a wellness supplement . It fits into a comprehensive routine that combines posture, movement, and relaxation.

To prevent the recurrence of neck pain, a few simple steps can make a difference:

• raise the screen to eye level to avoid tilting your head;
• change position every 30 minutes to restart circulation;
• Stretch your trapezius muscles and neck regularly;
• hydrate the body to preserve muscle elasticity;
• practice deep breathing to release nervous tension.

These measures, combined with the judicious use of heat, allow you to regain a supple and comfortable neck without relying on painkillers or anti-inflammatories.

A daily wellness ritual

Heat also affects the mind. It evokes relaxation, security, and a sense of letting go. Applying a warming balm to the nape of the neck can become a moment of recentering , a way to reconnect with your body after a hectic day.

Touch, smell, and the sensation of warmth are all signals sent to the brain to reduce mental strain . In this context, a heat treatment becomes much more than a simple product: it's a tool for overall recovery , both physical and emotional.

A complementary treatment, not a medical treatment

It is essential to remember that warming balm does not treat the underlying medical cause of chronic pain. It acts on superficial muscles, but does not replace medical care for cervical pathology, herniated discs, or neurological pain.

In case of persistent pain , tingling , or intense stiffness , it is best to consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to determine the exact cause of the discomfort and suggest appropriate treatment.

In summary

Heat is a valuable ally for relaxing neck muscles and improving mobility.

Used with common sense, it helps to break the cycle of pain: less tension, better circulation, calmer mind.

Using a gentle and progressive warming balm, like the one from Izom Athletic, allows you to transform a simple gesture into a moment of care, both preventive and soothing .

Because a relaxed neck means a freer body and a more serene mind.

Source: St-Bruno Chiropractic Clinic (2022). Hot vs. cold: the ultimate question.