A stiff neck is typically characterized by
soreness and difficulty moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the
head to the side. A stiff neck may also be accompanied by a headache, neck
pain, shoulder pain and/or arm pain, and cause the individual to turn the
entire body as opposed to the neck when trying to look sideways or backwards.
Symptoms typically last for a couple of days
or a week and may prompt neck pain that ranges from mildly painful but annoying
to extremely painful and limiting. While there are a few instances in which
neck stiffness is a sign of a serious medical condition, most episodes of acute
neck stiffness or pain heal quickly due to the durable and recuperative nature
of the cervical spine.
The most
common causes of a stiff neck
Muscle
Strain or Sprain
By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle sprain or muscle strain, particularly to the levator scapula muscle. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapula muscle connects the cervical spine (the neck) with the shoulder. This muscle is controlled by the third and fourth cervical nerves (C3, C4).
By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle sprain or muscle strain, particularly to the levator scapula muscle. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapula muscle connects the cervical spine (the neck) with the shoulder. This muscle is controlled by the third and fourth cervical nerves (C3, C4).
Remedies
for Stiff Neck
1. Massage
Massage is a
good cure for stiff neck. You can use essential oils, like pine, rosemary,
lavender or juniper for massaging as it will provide the necessary warmth to
the neck muscles along with increasing the blood circulation. A gentle massage
greatly helps in relaxing the muscles while reducing the stiffness.
2.
Heating Pad
Place a
heating pad over your sore neck. It is a useful remedy which will increase the
blood flow while decreasing the stiffness of the neck.
3. Ice
Packs
Crush some
ice and wrap it in a poly bag. Now, cover the stiff part of neck with a small
cloth or towel, then place the wrapped ice over it. Ice is really useful for
stiff neck pain relief. It also reduces the inflammation caused due to the
soreness.
4.
Over-the-counter Medicines
To relieve
the pain caused due to a stiff neck, you can also use over-the-counter
medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, avoid aspirin for
kids, who are less than the age of 18, as aspirin causes Reye’s syndrome, which
results in swelling in the brain.
5. Epsom
Salt
Soak Epsom
salt in your bath water and take a bath with it. This salt contains magnesium
and sulphate, which regulates the activity of various enzymes in the body. This
remedy helps in increasing the blood circulation, reducing the muscle tension
and stress.
6. Hot
Water Shower
Keep your
neck under a shower of warm to little hot water for about 4-5 minutes. Don’t
turn or move your neck while doing this. This is one of the best cures for
stiff neck muscles.
7. Apply
Balm
A number of
balms, like analgesic and rubefacient are available in the market to get rid of
the pain, caused due to a stiff neck. But, before picking any of them,
keep your symptoms in mind.
You can also
use a pain relieving gel, called ‘Biofreeze’, which is available in the market.
It is best suited for muscles spasms and stiff neck and shoulders. Biofreeze is
a non-oily odourless gel that works quite well on sore muscles. The main
ingredient used to make it is a South American holly shrub, called ‘Ilex’
8. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Soak a paper
napkin in some apple cider vinegar and place it on your neck. Leave it for few
hours. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for stiff neck muscles as it
gives great relief in just one application.
9.
Exercise
Exercising
helps a lot. Gently move your neck in a circular motion. You can also move your
neck in back and forth position. Side to side movement is also good. You can
also try moving your neck in a pattern of digit-8. But, make sure it doesn’t
pain. If it pains, don’t do these exercises.
10. Skin
Scrapping
This method
needs assistance of another person. You will require massage oil and a spoon.
Spread few drops of massage oil on the area and gently scrape the skin of your
neck with a spoon. Make sure, it doesn’t cause more pain in the muscles. Skin
scrapping is a great stiff neck treatment, which improves the blood circulation
while decreasing the stiffness of the neck.
11.
Acupuncture
Try
acupuncture exercise. It helps a lot in giving relief from neck soreness.
12.
Magnesium Tablets
Take 1
magnesium tablet on the daily basis to boost up your immunity. It will also
help in alleviating stiff neck.
13.
Celery Leaves
Blend celery
leaves and extract its juice. Drink it daily to get relief from pain, caused
due to a stiff neck.
14. Horse
Radish (Sahijan)
In order to
relieve stiffness of the neck, apply fresh horse radish. Leave it for a few
minutes; otherwise, it may lead to burning or numbness.
REMEMBER
You can get
a painful or stiff neck if you sleep in an awkward position, use a
computer for a prolonged period of time, or strain a muscle because of bad
posture.
Anxiety and
stress can also sometimes cause tension in your neck muscles, which can lead to
pain in your neck.
You can
normally manage your symptoms at home by following this article.