Over days and nights spent looking for the most recommendable neck ice pack, we finally reached to a conclusion that places the Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack as the best that stood out among the rest. To put it simply, it is very effective in that it offers the needed features important to deliver relief. It has great size and weight. It is safe and easy to use. And above that, the product remains pliable even when frozen.
Experiencing neck pain is probably one of the most discomforting feelings there is—what with the inability to look back and even rotate your head.
Usually, for people who have suffered this kind of pain every now and then, the usual think to do is go for a surgery.
However, it shouldn’t reach to that point.
With proper self-care and home remedy, plus guidance from a medical professional, you can actually get relief from all of those.
How?
Well with a proper neck ice pack of course!
A great ice pack can help reduce swelling or inflammation that you feel under your neck. This swelling might be causing the problems and you can now get rid of it by applying cold compress.
So if you want to get yourself a good neck ice pack, then read on and we’ll show you some of the recommendable products that you can use:
Comparison Table
| Beard Oil | Beard Shampoo | Comb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Jack Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | |
| Mountaineer Brand Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | yes |
| DapperGanger Beard Kit | yes | yes | yes |
| Percy Nobleman Review | yes | yes | |
| Barbero Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | |
| Craft Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | |
| Maison Lambert Ultimate Beard Kit | yes | yes | yes |
| Big Forest Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | yes |
| Zeus Beard Grooming Kit | yes | yes | yes |
| Repsol Care Beard Comb Kit | yes |
How Does a Neck Ice Pack Work?
An ice pack is simply a bag filled with ice that is applied to the body to reduce swelling, inflammation or even the temperature. Among its variations, the neck ice pack is specifically made to target and relief the pain in the neck.
When an ice pack is applied, it works as an anti-inflammatory. Neck pains are said to be caused by multiple factors. Since it is made up of seven vertebrae with discs in between that pass the nerves of the neck, conditions that affect such tissues will lead to neck pain.
Therefore, when you are feeling some ache in your neck, it helps to relieve it since it may also lead to some other pains like headache, etc. Applying a neck ice pack can temporarily close small blood vessels and prevent the swelling from growing worse.
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Neck Ice Pack?
Of course not all neck ice packs are fit for everyone. Sometimes other products work better than the rest. And since we are talking about neck pains, it is important to get the utmost relief from it through a neck ice pack that works best for you.
So before you go in and dive into buying, you must first consider some important things that can help you get the relief you deserve. These things are as follows:
1. Size
Not everyone has the same body build. That is why when choosing a neck ice pack, it helps to be aware of the size—both yours and the neck ice pack that you will be choosing.
The size of the neck ice pack must be able to cover the area of pain. It should be able to hang comfortably and conform well to the shape of your neck down to your shoulders.
With ice packs coming in various sizes, you should be able to look for one that suits you well. If possible, it shouldn’t be slipping out of your neck or shoulders.
2. Weight
Next goes well with size. The weight is another important factor to consider when choosing a neck ice pack for you. This is for two reasons:
One is that the weight of the neck ice pack shouldn’t be too heavy or too light for you. When it is heavy, it won’t feel as relaxing and would only be a burden to your already tired muscles. And when it is too light, the right amount of pressure won’t be applied.
Second is that when the weight of the neck ice pack does not seem to go well with the size, then it must be that the gel inside it is not enough. For example, when you chose a large neck ice pack but only weighs a pound, then the product is surely thin.
3. Material
The material of the neck ice pack is also important. To simplify it, the product shouldn’t be abrasive to your skin. Also, it shouldn’t make you sweat to the point that it is irritating. Lastly, it should be non-toxic.
4. Durability
Finally we have to come check on the durability of the neck ice pack. This is very necessary, as it will determine how long lasting the product will be.
If you are the type to experience frequent pain, you will most likely need an ice pack that can stick around through multiple usages.
To figure out the durability, check the stitching or the seal. Make sure that it is leak-free. Also, look at the thickness of the material.
What Problems are Neck Ice Packs Trying to Solve?
Using ice to relieve pain is a treatment method that is called cryotherapy. Applying an ice pack to your neck pain can reduce inflammation. This usually happens when there is swelling from injured tissues.
Common issues or problems that are associated with neck pain are commonly spine related. Examples of these are:
- Stiff neck
- Sharp pain
- General soreness
- Radiating pain
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Trouble with gripping or lifting objects
- Headaches
How We Assessed and Evaluated the Neck Ice Packs
We went through a number of neck ice packs available on the market—both physical and online—that we could get our hands on. We also sought for recommendations from our friends. And as expected, there were a lot of them that ended up on our list (almost 30). So choosing the best one was a very confusing thing to do.
We then thought how it would be great if we were to narrow down the list and present our findings to other people who will also go through the same dilemma. And to cut off their time from all the research, we began establishing a common buying criteria that will assess their effectiveness as a whole.
Our criteria included the ones we set above under the buyer’s guide. Some others include general comments from frequent users. Here, we consulted forums like Spine Health and Migraine Forum.
Soon after, we scored each of the neck ice packs according to the criteria. We complied the scores and ranked them with the highest as the number one. We eliminated those that didn’t make the cut.
Finally, we arrived at our top contenders. So to further solidify their place, we evaluated the top 5 through product testing. We took the products home and tested them out for some periods of time. Right after, we gathered our insights and came to the conclusion.
Before we reveal to you our list, it is important for us to mention that we did not receive any inducements from brands, vendors, or manufacturers that would influence our decision. What is written here are bias-free.
Product Reviews
1. Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack – Editor’s Pick
Starting our list is the Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack. This one simply stood out for its effective and well-made features. It has the size, weight, and durability that one would need.
To begin, this neck ice pack can cover the shoulders, upper back, and neck. With a size of 23” long, we believe that almost anyone can be accommodated and benefitted by this product.
Also, weighing 2.3 lbs, we think that it is enough to have the pressure penetrate through the body while not being too heavy and burdensome. It sinks just right in and conforms well to your neck and shoulders.
It is filled with non-toxic silica gel that is safe for anyone—including kids—to use. Just store it in a freezer for two hours and enjoy its 30 minutes of relief. The vinyl material is also latex-free.
Furthermore, it has a patented design that allows it to remain pliable or flexible during treatment. So even if it was stored in the freezer, you can trust that it can hug the areas well.
If there were a weakness with this product, then it would be its thickness. We would have loved it if it were a little bit thicker.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. FlexiKold Neck Cold Pack – Durable Choice
Following the first one is a strong contender for the top spot: the FlexiKold Neck Cold Pack. It has the same qualities that would make for an effective ice pack that everyone will find delight in.
It has the same length with the first one with 23” long. So it can accommodate a number of people. Also, it is neck contoured, which means that it the size fits well for neck use.
It is also flexible. Made with professional-grade gel interior, you can trust that it won’t go frozen even after storing it in the freezer for two hours.
And when it comes to its construction, we like the double-sealed seams that prevent leaking. It also has an extra thick nylon exterior that does not crack.
Some setbacks, however, is the amount of gel inside the pack. We seem to notice that it is not enough. This is important since the gel is the one that can give the cold therapy. When it is not enough, it can’t provide the right amount of cold.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. Reusable Ice Pack with Strap by TheraPAQ – Hot and Cold All-Rounder
More...
The third one is for those who are not only looking for some cold relief but warmth as well. The reusable ice pack by TheraPAQ can be used for both Hot and Cold Therapy.
This one comes with a Velcro strap that allows you to apply it to any parts not only the neck. You can strap it across your back, knee, waist, shoulder, ankle, calves, and even hips. The large pack measures 14” x 6”. It is very secure.
Since it is for both hot and cold, this product is freezer and microwave friendly. And even with that, this product remains to be flexible and conforms well to the problem areas.
On the other hand, we found the product has some issues when we received it. At first, we think the material was a little stiff. However, it eventually loosened up after some time.
Furthermore, we think that the Velcro strap was too long for someone average. If you are smaller, then you may find it not enough to secure the pack.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
4. Neck Ice Pack by Arctic Flex – Friendly Choice
Next on our list is the Neck Ice Pack by Arctic Flex. This one is another effective product that has the necessary features to work for anyone.
It has a good size, which measures 22.5” x 7.5”. It generously hugs the neck and the shoulder areas to give the relief you need.
The design is also flexible. It contours and conforms well to the neck even when frozen.
The product is safe for everyone including those with sensitive skin. It is made with soft, latex-free vinyl that is filled with a non-toxic silica gel.
Lastly, it is durable. It is constructed with a strong vinyl that is resistant to tearing and splitting. The seams are sealed well to prevent leaks.
However, the product could use a little more length. It doesn’t appear to be as long as we expected it to be. It fails to hang down low in front.
And regarding its vinyl material, we found that when the gel begins to become warm, it starts to make the areas sweaty.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
5. Torex Mojility - Professional Hot and Cold Therapy Flat Pack – Reliable Pick
Another hot and cold ice pack on our list is the Torex Mojility’s Professional Hot and Cold Therapy Flat Pack. This one is offered in a number of sizes for specific parts. For the neck pain, we got the Cervical.
The size measures 21” x 6.5”. It is enough to be used by a number of users ranging from different sizes.
It is also multipurpose due to its hot and cold abilities. It is also made from latex-free and non-toxic materials. Because of this, the product is also durable and flexible. It can mold or conform well to the body.
We also liked how it came with a zip-lock bag that makes it good and safe for storage. However, we think that placing the pack inside the zip lock was difficult since the product was big.
Furthermore, we think that the bag is a little too airy. So the heat or cold does not seep in much. And this goes to the gel that tends to pool to the ends when in use. So the heat/cold is not spread out evenly. The material is also thin.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations and How They Compare
With everything said and done, we have reached the concluding part of this article. Here, we choose the Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack as the most recommendable neck ice pack among the many products we have evaluated.
Following are two contending products: the FlexiKold Neck Cold Pack and the Reusable Ice Pack with Strap by TheraPAQ.
The Chattanooga Ice Pack simply gave all the important necessary features that would make a great neck ice pack. It has measurements in both weight and size that allows it to give the right pressure to a number of users.
It is also safe and easy to use. On top of that, it remains to be flexible even when it is frozen for 2 hours. Overall, we like how it delivers the kind of relief we wanted for a neck ice pack product.
The two runners up are also great in their own way. The FlexiKold is a durable choice while the one by TheraPAQ offers hot and cold therapy to a number of body parts.
However, the setbacks were that the former does not have enough gel, which is necessary for a neck ice pack, and the latter as not being friendly to users of different sizes.