5 Tips And Remedies For Stiff Neck

Are you looking for remedies for a stiff neck? This unpleasant and painful sensation can be caused by contracting the trapezius muscle and can occur when you least expect it.

Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, computer status, spine problems or osteoarthritis can lead to overuse of the cervical area.

The trapezius is a large muscle located below the nape of the neck, which extends to the shoulders. Sometimes you can only cause a stretch if you bend over to grab something from below. Later, you feel pain and stinging even when you breathe. 

If you have had this problem many times, seek the advice of a physiotherapist and seek some remedies for a stiff neck.

1. Rest is one of the best remedies for a stiff neck

Even if you don’t like the idea, you have to slow down a bit. Trapezius muscle contracture occurs in the connective tissues between the neck and shoulder blades. Thus, the patient complains of a sensation of pain located in this area, felt as a “stab” or “knot” that prevents him from moving.

If you have a stiff neck and force this region through other movements or awkward positions, you can accentuate the discomfort. So, be careful: you need rest. 

A rest of at least one week is indicated. During this time, avoid lifting heavy weights. In fact, it is not recommended to carry a bag on your shoulder either.

Try to rest on the couch for a few days, after which you can start moving little by little to restore the affected area.

2. Ice

Rest and ice are the best remedies for a stiff neck. At an interval of one and a half hours, apply an ice pack on the affected area and hold for 15 minutes. It reduces inflammation and has an analgesic effect. But don’t forget to follow the instructions of a specialist.

If the pain is very acute, take the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Even so, the hot-cold alternation gives very good results. You can try taking a hot shower, then apply an ice pack. 

3. Ginger tea

One of the best natural remedies for pain and inflammation is ginger tea. Its volatile oils, such as beta-bisaloben and zingiberene, are anti-inflammatory agents that relieve muscle tension and joint pain.

You can drink up to three cups of ginger tea a day, each prepared with a dose of 250 mg – 1 g of grated ginger.

4. Light stretches every day

On the second day of rest, you can interrupt your rest with a set of light stretches that restore the elasticity of the muscles and joints around the trapezius muscle. As mentioned above, it is advisable to seek the advice of a physiotherapist.

If you can’t find a specialist, you can do some light stretches at home, such as the exercises in the image above.

It is best to start lightly: rest your head tilted to the side in one hand, holding the position for a few seconds (the hand should be the one that corresponds to the affected part). Then bend forward, lowering both hands to stretch the trapezius muscle.

Perform the exercises I have described at your own pace, without forcing yourself. 

5. Treatment with castor oil

Castor oil is one of the best remedies for stiff neck. It relieves the pain, inflammation and muscle tension associated with this problem.

In fact, castor oil is great for fighting arthritis pain:

You need:

• A soft cloth
• 2 tablespoons castor oil (30 g)
• A towel or hot compress

Instructions

• First, heat the cloth. Put it on the radiator or keep it in front of a radiator until it heats up.
• Then moisten it with the two tablespoons of castor oil.

• Lie down on the bed and put the cloth on the affected part of the muscle.
• Then add the towel or hot compress over the cloth to keep the heat in this area.

You can apply this treatment every day. Little by little, the problem will improve and you will regain your mobility without feeling pain.