A stiff neck that is painful and difficult to move hampers important activities, such as working and driving a car. Patients who perform self-care during the first few days and weeks after an injury will begin to heal quickly and avoid relapses. Home remedies can effectively treat neck pain and inflammation in the short term. More severe damage may benefit from prescribed physical therapy, which helps patients safely return to normal activity as soon as possible.
Alleviate Neck Pain
Inflammation and swelling give rise to pain and a stiff neck. The Mayo Clinic recommends over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin as home remedies for pain relief. Taking one of these drugs as soon as symptoms arise will address inflammation and start the healing process right away.
Suppress Inflammation
In addition to oral pain medications, topical cold compresses help to calm the inflammatory response that causes neck pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests applying ice on a stiff neck during the first 48 to 72 hours of the acute inflammatory stage. Ice packs should be wrapped in a towel. A reusable gel pack kept in the refrigerator can be placed directly against the skin for pain relief in 20-minute sessions.
Ease Neck Aches
After the early inflammation has diminished, heat can be applied in 20-minute sessions. Patients can take a hot shower or use a heating pad, heated water bottle or reusable gel pack, which can be microwaved.
The American Physical Therapy Association endorses home remedies that alternate hot and cold therapy, which provide greater pain relief for some patients. Hot and cold therapy can be used as necessary, with 40-minute breaks in between the series.
Support a Stiff Neck
Carrying the weight of the head places continual stress on the neck and shoulders. To ease neck pain, individuals should support the cervical area when sitting or lying down. The Mayo Clinic notes that a soft neck collar, used as directed for two weeks or less, can aid weakened neck muscles.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends periodic rest breaks to lie down, using a good pillow. A special cervical pillow adequately supports the weight of the head and places the neck in its correct posture, to reduce stress on the cervical spine. Patients should lie on their backs or sides, not on their abdomens.
