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.

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.

Resources

• Medical Encyclopedia: Neck Pain