Neck and back stiffness can be painful and frustrating. It can often limit your range of motion, which can affect your day-to-day life. A stiff neck can also lead to headaches, arm pain, back pain, and shoulder pain.
If you are suffering from neck problems, these are the top remedies for a stiff neck that you should follow.
1. Stretching
You can implement a daily routine of stretches that can help loosen up stiff muscles.
Start with around 10 shoulder rolls in each direction. Follow that by squeezing your shoulder blades towards each other 10 times.
Lastly, stretch the sides of your neck by bringing your ear to your shoulder slowly. Pause in that position for a few seconds before repeating on the other side. Repeat this process 10 times as well.
2. Castor Oil Massage
Castor oil is a natural remedy that is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which makes it one of the best remedies for a stiff neck.
Massaging warmed castor oil onto your stiff neck muscles as well as the muscles in your upper back can help with stiffness and pain.
3. Myofascial Stretching
This is a specific kind of stretching you can do along with your daily stretching routine.
Begin by moving your chin to touch your chest. Clasp your hands together behind your head, with your fingers laced at the base of your neck. Gently stretch your neck and back muscles.
Continue this for anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes.
4. 1 Minute Self-Massage
You can massage the sore and stiff muscles in your neck yourself to get some relief. Find the sore or stiff spot and push it firmly with your hands. This will work to loosen the knot.
You can also knead the knots with your hand or with a tennis ball. Massage each knot for 1 minute while adjusting the angle at which you are massaging throughout.
5. Adjust Your Sleep Position
Sleeping on your stomach can worsen, and even cause, your stiff neck. The best sleeping positions to avoid and help neck stiffness are on your back and on your side.
6. Use a Chamomile Tea Press
This herbal remedy has you heat up moistened chamomile tea bags and place them on your stiff neck. They work as a heating compress to help lessen pain and reduce inflammation.
7. Turmeric and Cinnamon Tea
Turmeric and cinnamon are known to be great herbal anti-inflammatories. Drinking turmeric and cinnamon tea can help ease your tense muscles and reduce your pain.
8. Use Mustard Oil or Fresh Horseradish
Placing mustard oil or fresh horseradish on your stiff neck will work as a natural heat compress. The heat from these two ingredients will reduce muscle tension, which will help your stiff neck.
Be careful not to leave them on your neck for too long though. They can cause burning and numbness if left on for more than a few minutes.
Try These Remedies for a Stiff Neck
Neck stiffness can be very painful and can alter your day-to-day life. We highly recommend these remedies so that you can get back to your normal, pain-free life.