Home Remedies
for a Stiff Neck
A stiff neck is uncomfortable and painful. Whether it comes from sitting at a computer for hours, sleeping in an awkward position or being in a draft, a stiff neck prevents normal neck motion and can radiate upward as a headache or down as shoulder and upper back pain. Home remedies often relieve a stiff neck so that a person can resume normal activities.
Cold Compress
Use an ice pack or ice wrapped in a cloth. Apply it to swollen or sore neck muscles for a few minutes.
Hot Compress
Dip a towel in hot water and wring it out, then apply it to the stiff neck.
Hot Shower
Take a hot shower to relieve tension and relax tight shoulders and muscles.
Liniment
Apply a muscle ointment or liniment along the sore neck muscles.
Pain Reliever
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen or another analgesic for minor aches and pains.
Neck Rotation
Gently rotate the head and neck clockwise, then counter-clockwise to stretch stiff muscles.
Neck Pillow
Replace a standard pillow with an orthopedic pillow that supports the neck during sleep.
Tags: stiff neck, Home Remedies, Home Remedies Stiff, neck muscles, Remedies Stiff