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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.

  1. 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.

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