How to Get Rid of Stiff Neck

What Causes a Stiff Neck

A stiff neck and acute pain in the neck area are usually caused by the misuse of the muscles in that area, as we exemplified above. Prolonged uncomfortable positions or stretching your neck more than it’s ready for can make your muscles overstretch and your neck joint be less flexible. 

Stiffness appears when your overworked neck joint catches or pinches a muscle or a nerve, which can be recognized as a sudden, sharp pain followed immediately by stiffness. 

Luckily, there are some rather simple ways that can help you get rid of a stiff neck. Here are some of them.  

How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck

Here are some practices that will help you get over a stiff neck faster, with less pain. 

• Stretch your muscles: Very mild, careful stretching of the muscles in the area can actually make them recover faster. If you feel too much pain, don’t insist and consider seeing a doctor. 
• Alternate hot and cold compresses: applying ice should be done in the acute phase, meaning the first 2-3 days after the injury. Apply ice packs 10 minutes at a time and make sure you protect your skin from ice burns. After this period of time, you can apply heat to the area. 
• Sleep in better positions: we often use too many pillows when we sleep, which makes us hold our necks in awkward positions. Try to sleep on your side or back, never on your belly. 
• Take pain killers: take over-the-counter pain killers for the pain.
• Get chiropractic care: a chiropractor will be able to diagnose your issue and apply the correct treatment for a lightning-fast, safe recovery. 
  

How to Avoid a Stiff Neck

One of the best ways to avoid acute pain in the neck and stiffness in the future is to be mindful of the movements that you do and give your neck muscles a break whenever you need to keep a forced position for too long. Be careful to sleep on a comfortable and natural pillow height and don’t forget to warm up before you do exercise. 

Need a Chiropractor?

If you or a loved one suffer from a stiff neck, shorten your suffering and pain as much as you can by contacting us. Our chiropractic specialists will relieve your discomfort and promote the healing of the neck muscles and joints, making your stiff neck disappear in a matter of hours or days.