How often have you woken up in the morning, unable to move your head, owing to a pain in the neck? Stiff neck is a problem that pervades all our lives, and with far more regularity than one would think. How often have you woken up with this stiffness in the neck, unaware of what caused it, and, more importantly, not knowing what to do about it? Well, your life just got a little easier. We will provide you with a range of home remedies that should help by getting rid of that annoying pain in the neck fast and with ease.
Causes
These are the most common causes of stiff neck:-
- Sleeping in an awkward position, straining the neck muscles in the process
- Sports-related and other injuries that also strain the neck muscles
- Regularly taking part in any activity that requires the head and neck to be moved from one side to another
- Poor posture, such as slouching in front of the television screen or computer monitor
- Holding the neck in an awkward position for an extended period of time
- Excessive stress, leading to tension in the muscles
- A sudden jerk in the neck during an accident or while playing sports
Symptoms
The symptoms of a stiff neck are as follows:-
- Inability to move the head or neck to either side
- Pain in the neck every time it is held at a certain angle
- A stiff neck may occasionally be accompanied by a headache
- It may also be accompanied by a persistent pain in the shoulder
- A pain in the neck as well as stiffness in the shoulder may be a symptom of stiff neck
- Muscle spasm in the muscles of the upper back
- Pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back
Home remedies for stiff neck pain
There are a range of treatments and remedies for stiffness in the neck, as well as exercises to cure a neck ache. The following are some of the ways to relax a stiff neck or get rid of a pain in the neck:-
1. Massage
Nothing matches up to the magic of a good, soothing massage. Gently massage the affected areas using essential oils such as pine, rosemary or lavender, as these will provide the warmth required to relax the muscles. The massage will also increase blood circulation.
2. Cold compress
There is little that an ice pack cannot cure. Crush some ice and wrap in a soft towel or cloth, or a thick polythene bag. Apply this with a small amount of pressure to the neck, back and shoulders. This will help reduce soreness and swelling, and help relieve the pain.
3. Hydrotherapy
It really isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Just add two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water, and soak your neck in this for 15-20 minutes. This will allow your neck muscles to absorb the Magnesium, which will work its magic in no time.
4. Heat therapy
Heat always helps to relax stiff muscles while reducing the soreness in them. Place a heating pad on your neck and hold in place for a few minutes, as long as you feel comfortable doing so. Do this as many times a day as you want, and feel the pain disappear in no time. The heat also helps to increase blood flow.
5. Neck exercises
Some basic exercises that involve nodding your head forward and backward, from your left shoulder to your right, and then from the left side to the right side, without moving the rest of your body, can loosen the tight muscles and restore blood flow. Repeat each motion for a few minutes. Do not continue if your neck hurts too much.
6. Olive oil
Warm 2 teaspoons of olive oil for a few seconds, and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to it. Massage the neck with this mixture for a few minutes. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few days.
7. Peppermint oil
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a bowl of cold water, and taking a soft towel or washcloth soaked in this concoction, place it on the affected areas for 10-15 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.
8. Hot water shower
Hot water is one of most effective remedies for curing a stiff neck. All you need to do is run hot water and hold your neck under it for 4-5 minutes without moving it. This will loosen the muscles in no time.
9. Balm or gel
There are several pain-relieving balms and gels available in the market. Get hold of one of these, and following the instructions provided, apply on the neck and shoulders.
10. Over-the-counter medicines
Medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are available over the counter. Follow the dosage advised on the pack to quickly relieve pain caused by sore muscles.
11. Apple cider vinegar
Soak a soft cloth in apple cider vinegar and place it on the neck. Leave it on for a few hours, and feel the pain leave your muscles in no time.
12. Cayenne pepper
Mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder in two tablespoons of warm olive oil. Apply this to your neck, cover with a cloth, and leave on for a few hours. Do this for a few days, and the pain should be gone quickly.
13. Turmeric
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a cup of milk, and heat this for 5 minutes on low heat. Once it cools, add honey. Drink this mixture twice daily for a few days.
14. Skin-scraping
Apply a small amount of massage oil to the sore area, and then gently scrape the skin with the edge of a spoon, starting at the top of the neck and going all the way to the top of the shoulders. This will increase blood flow to the area.
15. Acupuncture
Acupuncture exercises are great for problems such as stiff neck, so you should try this at home, preferably with the assistance of another person. Make sure you research the techniques properly before doing this, however.
16. Homemade analgesic
Take two tablespoons of coconut oil and one tablespoon of beeswax, heating them over medium heat. Add 5 drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus oil, and once it cools, store this concoction in an airtight jar. Massage the stiff neck muscles with it a few times a day until the pain subsides.
17. Magnesium tablets
Magnesium supplements are available over the counter. Take a tablet daily, paying attention to the amount prescribed for your age group. This will not only alleviate the pain in your neck and shoulders, but will also boost up your immunity.
18. Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are available in all drug stores. They not only relax the muscles but also reduce pain caused by stiff muscles. These pills are best taken before going to bed. Remember to follow directions and take the proper dosage, and do not use them as anything more than a short-term remedy.
19. Celery leaves
Celery leaves have been reported as being an effective solution for stiff and sore muscles. Blend some celery leaves and extract the juice. Pour this in a glass and drink. Do this at least once daily, preferably in the morning before breakfast, and the pain in your neck and shoulders will be gone as easily as it appeared.
20. Horse radish
Cut a few thick slices of horse radish, and apply to the affected areas, leaving it on for a few minutes. This will relax the muscles and reduce pain. Do this a few times a day for a few days, and your neck should feel better soon.
21. Cervical collar
Wearing a soft cervical collar for a few days will help protect your neck. Make sure that you consult a physician to find out how long you need to keep it on.
22. Stretching and shoulder rolls
Do light stretches and shoulder rolls, repeating each motion ten times. This should help alleviate the pain, and is a great exercise to stick to even after the stiffness in the neck has disappeared.
Prevention
- Sleep in a proper position
- Check your seating posture
- Avoid too much stress
- Use a proper pillow
- Try to sleep on a firm mattress