How to Treat a Sore Neck
A sore neck is most often caused be tired or overworked muscles. When we do things that the muscles are not used to, such as looking up for a large amount of time, they can easily feel stiff and sore. You can help treat this yourself, and the article below will show you a thorough way of treating your sore neck so that you feel better almost right away.
Instructions
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Massage yourself. This should start as simply as using a circular rubbing motion around the area where you feel soreness. This should slowly descend into a circular motion in the affected area itself. Start slowly, then go deeply into the muscle.
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Get a gentle source of heat, such as ThermaCare heat wraps for your neck. Wrap the sore spot with the heating pad. This will help alleviate the ache as soon as the heat kicks in.
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Lie down with the heating pad, using a supportive neck pillow. You want to get the neck to a neutral position where no strain is placed upon the neck whatsoever. Avoid having the heating pad on for too long in one sitting.
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Use hot water if heating pads are not something you are comfortable using! You will want to try easing the soreness with water. Stand in a hot shower, allowing the water to flow upon the neck towards the aching part of it. Turn your head with your hands underneath the water, holding it in place. This should help if you use small movements. Let the water soothe and heal. You can soak in the shower for several minutes to help with neck aches.
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Take the pain reliever usually recommended for you, and try to lie down if these methods do not work. Consult your doctor, and do what you can to avoid any over-use or strain on your neck until medical help can be given.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid overstraining your neck in the first place. An ounce of prevention is worth so much. Don't look up for long periods of time unnecessarily. Introduce your neck to new movements a bit at a time.
Take special care of your neck when it is injured. Ask for advice from a medical professional.
Consult a doctor right away for any severe pain, or any pain that does not quickly subside.
