We all know that awful feeling of waking up with a stiff, sore neck. Maybe you slept on it funny or pinched a nerve. Maybe you’ve got muscle soreness, maybe you’re stressed, or maybe you just need a good vacation.
Whatever the case, you just want some relief from this neck pain. Here are some of the top remedies for neck pain and stiffness.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
NSAIDs
One of the most straightforward ways to deal with neck pain and stiffness is through over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications are anti-inflammatory and can ail minor aches and pains. These are best when taken with water, as your muscle pain could be related to dehydration, too.
Make sure you only take NSAIDs as directed. Taking these medications improperly can result in liver damage. Also, we recommend mentioning any new medications you’re taking to your doctor to make sure they don’t have any negative combined effects.
Massage Therapy
While not everyone can afford the cost or time off work, getting a massage can be a huge help with neck pain and stiffness. Seeing a massage therapist can be incredibly helpful with this muscle stiffness, as they are able to work with your muscles and find tension points.
Massage therapy can be stress-relieving as well as physically stimulating. This combination can go a long way to remedying neck pain and stiffness. Some of the common causes of this type of stiffness are addressed directly by massage therapy.
Stretching
Getting the right amount of stretching in can be a huge help for neck stiffness. Roll your shoulders up and down, touch your ears to your shoulders, press your head back into a headrest. These types of stretches help to keep your neck muscles loose and limber, making it less likely for them to lock up and become stiff.
Likewise, you can address many forms of pain and stiffness with these types of stretches. It’s not hard to take a few minutes to limber up!
Sleeping Well
Another important thing to remember is that you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. When you sleep facedown, you’ve got to turn your head one way or the other for hours. This is really quite bad for your neck, and you should sleep on your back or side instead.
Along these lines, make sure your pillow is the right one for your sleeping style. If you sleep on your back, you need a shorter pillow. If you sleep on your sides, you need a taller pillow. Not following these guidelines could result in neck soreness and stiffness.