{"id":14593,"date":"2020-04-02T05:26:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T05:26:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14593"},"modified":"2021-05-07T15:29:42","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T15:29:42","slug":"14-home-remedies-for-stiff-neck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-home-remedies-for-stiff-neck\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Home Remedies for Stiff Neck"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A stiff neck can be a real pain in the, well, neck. It isn\u2019t considered a serious medical problem, it can impact your daily life. In most cases, a stiff neck is caused by weakened muscles or muscle strain. The increased use of technology \u2013 computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. \u2013 is one of the most common causes of a stiff neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitting in a hunched position while using these devices places strain on the soft tissues and muscles that lie within the neck, which leads to pain. Other factors that can contribute to a stiff neck include stress, bruxism (excessive teeth grinding and clenching), poor posture, osteoarthritis, and overusing the neck. Injuries of the spine and the neck itself can also result in a stiff neck. Whatever the cause, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019re looking for ways to treat your pain. Below, we share 14 tips that you can use to ease your discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Heat and ice. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the easiest ways to ease the pain caused by a stiff neck<\/a> is with heat and ice, as both help to relieve inflammation within the neck muscles that can contribute to neck pain. Alternate between the two, applying an ice pack or a bag filled with ice for a period of 20 minutes and then switching to heat (you can use a heating pad or a warm compress) for 20 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do this a couple of times a day, particularly when the pain reaches its height, to relieve the symptoms that are associated with a stiff neck. When using this technique, avoid placing excessive heat and ice directly on the skin; doing so could cause injuries. Protect the skin by wrapping an ice pack with a towel and when using a heating pad, make sure to always use the protective covering for the device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Rest.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A stiff neck may be a message that your body is trying to tell you that you need to rest. Listen to the message! Because a stiff neck is often caused by excessive strain and overuse, the best way to ease the stiffness and pain is by taking a break and resting. When a stiff neck strikes, get some rest. Stop doing the activities that you participate in on a daily basis \u2013 especially those that strain <\/a>your neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you play a sport that involves a lot of neck movement or if your job requires a lot of motion in the neck area, avoid doing those things for a few days, as they weaken and strain the neck muscles, which leads to a stiff neck. Medical experts say that limiting activity for a period of a day or two can help weakened and strained muscles recuperate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help to reduce the stiffness and pain in your neck. Because they\u2019re anti-inflammatory, they help minimize the inflammation <\/a>in the neck muscles, thereby minimizing the discomfort. There are several different forms of NSAID medications; examples include ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil are common brand names), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve and Naprosyn are common brand names). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these medications can be a very effective way to treat a stiff neck, it\u2019s important to note that they must be taken properly. Make sure to consult with your health care provider, as NSAIDs can aggravate certain underlying medical conditions or can negatively interact with certain medications. It\u2019s important to take the medications as advised; taking more than the recommended amount could lead to adverse side effects, too, such as liver damage. Avoid taking NSAIDs for a prolonged period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Stretching.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stretching <\/a>can be an effective way to ease the symptoms that are associated with a stiff neck; of course, you do need to make sure that you can tolerate stretching before engaging in this self-remedy. As soon as you can tolerate the movement, try the following activities to stretch your neck:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n