Stiff neck remedies to try
- Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Doctors recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Keep moving.
- Gentle massage.
- Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow.
- Use a soft neck collar.
Should you exercise a stiff neck?
As long as your doctor says it’s OK, you should start as soon as possible to ease stiffness and pain. Resting for too long, usually anything more than a couple of days, will make it harder to get moving again. Don’t exercise if you have severe neck pain or weakness in your hands or arms.
What is the best exercise for neck pain?
9 exercises to relieve neck pain
- Side-to-side bends (lateral neck flexion)
- Forward and backward bends (neck flexion and extension)
- Side-to-side turns (neck rotation)
- Chin tucks (neck retraction)
- Shoulder rolls.
- Levator scapulae stretch.
- Neck isometrics.
- Head lifts.
How long does it take for a stiff neck to go away?
Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days. Neck pain that continues longer than several weeks often responds to exercise, stretching, physical therapy and massage. Sometimes, you may need steroid injections or even surgery to relieve neck pain.
What is the fastest way to relieve a stiff neck? – Related Questions
What triggers stiff neck?
A stiff neck is a common problem that a person can usually treat with home remedies and prevention strategies. It usually results from injuries caused by whiplash, sleeping awkwardly, having a poor posture, or stress. Neck pain is not typically a sign of a more serious issue.
What causes extremely stiff neck?
By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain. In particular, the levator scapulae muscle is susceptible to injury. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapulae muscle connects the neck’s cervical spine with the shoulder.
Where do you massage a stiff neck?
1. Self-massage for neck pain
- Lower your shoulders away from your ears. Straighten your neck and back.
- Locate the painful areas on your neck. Press firmly with your fingers.
- Gently move your fingers in circular motions. Repeat in the opposite direction.
- Continue for 3 to 5 minutes.
What are the red flags for neck pain?
Red flag symptoms
- Significant preceding trauma or neck surgery.
- Systemic upset (unintentional weight loss, night sweats, fevers)
- Severe pain.
- Nocturnal pain.
- Relatively young (<20 years) or old (>55 years)
- Signs of spinal cord compression.
- Significant vertebral body tenderness.
Can stiff neck be the a symptom of something serious?
Neck stiffness is almost always a temporary symptom of overusing your neck or sleeping in an unusual position. But it can also be a symptom of meningitis, a dangerous infection that needs treatment right away.
How do I know if my neck pain is serious?
As a general guideline, the Mayo Clinic says you should contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe.
- Persists for several days without relief.
- Spreads down arms or legs.
- Is accompanied by a headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling.
Why won’t my sore neck go away?
The most common causes of chronic neck pain are muscle strain and nerve compression. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, it can be difficult to tell which of these is occurring. Most muscle strain comes from activities that place a lot of uneven strain on one side of your neck.
Which doctor to consult for stiff neck?
A doctor who specializes in nonoperative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist) A doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases that affect the joints (rheumatologist) A doctor who specializes in treating nerve-related disorders (neurologist)
When should I go to the doctor for a stiff neck?
With that said, see a doctor if your neck stiffness comes along with any of the following: Severe pain shooting down your arms. Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. Problems controlling your bladder or bowels.
How do doctors treat stiff neck?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by reducing inflammation, are typically a first line of treatment for neck stiffness and soreness. Common types of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g. Naprosyn).
Is walking good for stiff neck?
Conclusion. An intervention to increase daily walking steps reduced onset neck pain in high‐risk office workers.
Is heat or cold better for a stiff neck?
The general recommendation is to use ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, which will help reduce swelling. Then, use heat to loosen muscles and improve stiffness.
Which side should you sleep on if your neck hurts?
If you’re dealing with neck discomfort, the best positions for sleep are on your back or side. These are both less stressful on your spine than sleeping on your stomach. It may be difficult to change your sleeping position, since your preferred position is often determined early in life.
How should I sleep if my neck hurts?
Best Sleeping Positions for Neck Pain
The best sleeping positions for the neck are on your back or your side. The back in particular is recommended; just make sure to use a pillow that supports the curvature of your neck and a flatter pillow to cushion your head.
What helps a stiff neck in 60 seconds?
Here’s how:
- Step 1: Find the sore spot.
- Step 2: Push into the knot with your fingers, using firm pressure.
- Step 3: Turn your head slightly in the direction opposite the cramp, and bend it diagonally, as if you were trying to touch your armpit with your chin.
- Step 4: Repeat steps 1 through 3 about 20 times in a row.
What should I avoid if I have a stiff neck?
Try not to jerk your head quickly or twist your neck. This can cause inflammation. Try gentle stretches, moving the head back and forth, then up and down. Ask a friend or partner to massage the sore area.
