The leading cause of neck pain is injury. Straining your neck through repetitive movements or overuse leads to muscle soreness. Sitting for too long leads to nerve irritation.
Injury aside, you can also sustain a stiff neck by getting older. The intervertebral disks begin to shrink and pull away from one another.
So what are the home remedies for neck pain?
We know the aging process takes its toll, but bear with us – you’ll find what you need to heal a stiff neck right here using four tried and tested home remedies.
Table of Contents
1. Apply Heat or Ice
One of the most traditional home remedies for neck pain is using either heat or ice to help reduce inflammation and tenderness. If you opt for heat, apply a heating pad to your neck for 15-20 minutes at a time.
If you choose to use ice, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your neck for 15-20 minutes at a time. Repeat this process as needed throughout the day.
2. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
There are several OTC drugs you can use as a treatment for neck pain. One is aspirin, which is the oldest anti-inflammatory medication we know. Ibuprofen is also a good drug for reducing pain, tenderness, and stiffness.
Naproxen is used to relieve pain due to muscle strain, while acetaminophen is a good choice for short-term relief for moderate stiff neck pain.
3. Stretch and Massage Your Neck
One way to ease neck pain is to stretch the muscles. Try slowly turning your head from side to side or tilting your head back and forth. You can also try gently pulling your head forward with your hands.
Massage the muscles using your fingers to apply pressure and press down the entire length of your neck. Do this a few times and repeat as necessary.
4. Sleep With a Pillow Under Your Neck
Perhaps the best way to fix neck pain is to sleep with a pillow under your neck. This will help to keep your spine in alignment and will also allow your muscles to relax. If you don’t have a pillow, you can try using a rolled-up towel or anything that serves the purpose.
If the pain doesn’t go away after you have performed a few home remedies, it’s best to see a specialist such as spinal surgeon, Dr. Stieber, who has extensive experience and is a reputable name.
Beat That Stiff Neck: Home Remedies for Neck Pain
We just discussed four tested and proven home remedies for neck pain. Then again, these solutions may not work if the problem has escalated beyond what is considered a simple stiff neck.
In such a case, you may have to check in with a doctor who can offer recommendations. With their expertise, they should be able to provide the right advice on what to do with your continued neck pain. In such a case, you may have to check in with a doctor who can offer recommendations. With their expertise, they should be able to provide the right advice on what to do with your continued neck pain.
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