A stiff neck can be a source of worry and irritation for anyone. While it is not particularly harmful to health, it can be a bad influence on total performance, productivity, and general well being. It is quite a common phenomenon with one resorting to all kinds of techniques to get relief and respite.
While the causes are multiple and range from bad postures while sleeping to overstretching during an activity or work, a sudden tension felt in the muscles or muscle tiredness.
A mild pain or a prolonged pain can be felt causing soreness and difficulty in moving neck. This, however, as mentioned does not have a direct influence on health but hampers sleep and eat cycles, general mood and thus causes a disruption in life.
Simple remedies can provide relief and eventually make one back on track.
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Cold Compress
A good remedy that provides relief is a cold compress. One can either use a store bought one or DIY it at home using a few ice cubes and a towel. Applying light pressure with the compress with ease congestion, provide relief to joints and help reduce pain. The cold compress is often the first way to approach the problem due to commonly available ingredients.
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Massage
Synchronized movement of the hand on the affected area can soothe the affected area and erase knots if any. Massages improve blood circulation and make the stiffness reduce. Good oil or a pain relief balm could act as the perfect supplement to smoothen the process. If one cannot do it themselves, it is better to ask for help rather than aggravate the situation.
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Exercise
Simple exercises like moving the neck up and down, forward and backward while not overdoing it and causing pain can provide relief. Sublime movement of the muscle is important and not a forceful movement. That does more bad than good. Thus, it should be done with a certain amount of restraint.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is called the Holy Grail and that is no exaggeration. It has multiple benefits and curing a stiff neck is one of them. When applied it gives instant relief. One should soak a towel/paper napkin in ACV and then place it on the neck to get some consolation.
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Hot shower
There is nothing a hot bath cannot cure. A stiff neck can get some appeasement with a good hot water shower. The hot water will decrease stiffness and increase blood circulation. This coupled with a hot compress could relax the stiff muscles.
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Turmeric
Ayurvedic treatments suggest the use of turmeric to decrease neck pain. Careful intake of considerably fewer quantities can help ease pain and reduce stress. It can either be mixed with milk or water and heated to achieve a good consistency and partaken as part of the food to get relief. It has anti-inflammatory properties that control further pain or disruption.
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Epsom Salt
This commonly available home salt contains certain minerals that regulate conditions and improve blood circulation, making the stiff neck get some respite and abatement. Mixing Epsom salts with water or any sea salts and soaking in water will help relief through salt entering pores and providing solace to the problem area and also the overall body.
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Methanol
Methanol or any menthol containing ingredient acts as a help against it. With the odor, it may attract a bit of attention if one is heading out, but the effects and importance need no explanation.
These are the easiest ways to cure a stiff neck. Of course, if the pain persists, a visit to a doctor could help. Lifestyle change, proper postures, and sleeping positions are also imperative to prevent further stiff necks. Mitigating is always better than cure.