With a stiff neck, people experience neck soreness, pain, and difficulty in neck movement, and in doing exercises. A stiff neck may also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, and/or arm pain. You experience pain even when trying to look sideways, let alone doing exercises. This condition can keep you away from exercises until you opt for the best treatments and get relief from the pain.
Stiff neck symptoms usually last for a week or so; the neck pain can be mild to extreme. In most cases, stiff neck heals quickly due to the recuperative nature of the cervical spine.
The most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle sprain or muscle strain suffered while sleeping or doing exercises, particularly in the levator scapulae muscle that connects the neck or cervical spine to the shoulder. This muscle is controlled by the third and fourth cervical nerves. Stiff neck can be caused by activities that involve repeatedly turning the head from side to side, poor posture, such as slouching while viewing the computer monitor or straining during physical exercises or while playing sports.
Treatments for Immediate Relief From a Stiff Neck Pain
Stopping physical activity or any exercises for the first couple of days can provide immediate relief from stiff neck pain. It is also advised to take a prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or aspirin; these drugs can provide effective pain relief in case the pain due to the stiff neck becomes unbearable. However, it is advised not to take more than the prescribed dosage. A soft collar around your neck can also give you immediate relief, help you stabilize your neck, and speed up recovery; you might be doing exercises earlier than you thought.
Stiff Neck Treatments
- Massage therapy: Massage your neck, better if done by a professional. It is one of the best treatments to get relief from a stiff neck and associated pain.
- Therapeutic treatments: In most cases, the pain treatments include doing simple exercises for about 15 minutes to relieve the tension caused by the strained neck muscles. Some of these exercises are very effective.
- Analgesic treatments: In treatments through analgesics, immediate relief from stiff neck can be achieved by applying balms that contain eucalyptus oil, menthol, or any other ingredient that provides relief to the muscles. This is one of most simple and effective treatments. These balms can easily be obtained over the counter.
- Hydrotherapy treatments: Soaking your stiff neck with a bath containing warm water and two cups of Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate) can be one of the helpful treatments for the relief from muscle aches and pain, and for the relaxation of the tight muscle.
- Acupressure treatments: It is advised to visit a professional acupuncturist; these treatments can give you immediate relief from pain and neck stiffness.
Usually, a stiff neck has a number of effective treatments that bring relief within a few days and you are able to do neck exercises. However, you should seek professional medical treatment and get relief if the stiff neck symptoms do not subside within a week and you still find it difficult to do any exercises. Immediate medical attention is recommended if stiff neck is noted after a high fever.
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