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10 Home Remedies For Neck Pain That Give Quick Relief

how to get rid of neck pain

Neck pain is probably one of the most discomforting of all pains, that’s probably why the phrase ‘pain in the neck’ has become one of the most used ones in the English language.

Neck pain, or to be exact pain in the nape of the neck and surrounding areas often extends to the shoulders and upper back. It can cause a person to be irritable, and concentrating on the work becomes a herculean task.

Neck pain often turns into stiffness in the neck, restricting the movement of the head. At times a mere nod takes all the energy and will power a person can summon.

There are several causes why you can get a nasty neck pain, with the primary reason being stress and tension. Sitting in a wrong posture with the head tilted at the wrong angle can often lead to persistent neck pain that refuses to go away.

Causes of Neck Pain

  • Bad sleep postures as well as sitting postures
  • Undergoing a lot of stress and strain
  • Spending long hours studying or preparing for an exam
  • Injury on the head, neck or shoulders can cause neck pain

Symptoms of Neck Pain

  • Stiffness in the neck and surrounding areas
  • Sharp, shooting pain near the neck
  • Sensation of tingling, numbness and/or weakness
  • Persistent headaches
  • Difficulty holding and lifting anything

See a doctor immediately if:

  • There is difficulty in moving or turning your head
  • The stiffness is very severe and unbearably painful
  • There is difficulty in swallowing or breathing

10 Best Home Remedies For Neck Pain

Neck pain can be very discomforting and irritating if left untreated. Mild neck pain tends to go away in a day or two, however, persistent pain needs attention. There are several home remedies for neck pain, here are the 10 best:Home Remedies For Neck Pain

10. Epsom Salt Soak

Procedure:

  • Take two to three cups of Epsom Salt. Tie it up in a soft muslin cloth.
  • Half-fill your bathtub with warm water. Fix the bundled Epsom Salt just below the inlet.
  • Allow water to pass through the bundle. Soak in the bathtub for about 1 hour daily.

How does this work?

Epsom Salt is rich in magnesium sulphate, which acts on the pain and helps gain relief. Epsom Salt is a naturally occurring mineral that is abundantly found in the natural springs located in a place called Epsom, which is in Surrey County in the UK.

Magnesium, which is not produced by the body, is essential for performing certain biomechanical responses to relieve pain. Hence soaking in Epsom salt water has a soothing effect and gives instant relief from neck pain. Epsom salt is one of the best home remedies for neck pain.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why the remedy should not be good. Bath salts have been in use from time immemorial and have proved to have beneficial effects.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Procedure:

  • Mix 2 teaspoons of undiluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with equal quantity of water.
  • Take a paper towel and soak it in the mixture. Place the soaked towel on the painful area.
  • Let it sit for an hour or two. Alternatively, soak in a bathtub with water mixed with ACV.

How does this work?

Apple cider vinegar has been recommended as a remedy for a plethora of disorders and illnesses. It has very powerful antioxidant qualities and is also a known anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the inflammation caused by the neck pain.

Applying Apple cider vinegar on the pain affected areas helps get instant relief from the intense pain. When consumed orally, ACV helps replenish nutrient deficiency and pains related to such deficiencies. Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for neck pain treatment at home.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why the remedy should not be good. Apple cider vinegar has been used as a remedy for treating various disorders without any side effects.

8. Massage Therapy

Procedure:

  • Heat 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil or Olive oil gently and add some camphor.
  • Apply the camphor + oil  mixture on the painful areas.
  • Massage the areas gently with a rotating motion.
  • Repeat the process whenever required.

How does this work?

Massage therapy has recommended extensively for alleviating pain in the muscles and joints. If get yourself a massage at the hands of a trained masseuse it should be a good option, however,  you can have someone at home do it as it is not very difficult.

Massaging the body inhibits the production of the stress hormone cortisol and also boosts the production of serotonin that works as a mood enhancer. Regular massaging also helps in controlling the production of neurotransmitter substance P, which is linked to the sense of pain. A good massage is one of the best home remedies for stiff neck.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why the remedy should not be good. If massage is given by an untrained person, care should be taken to not exert excessive pressure on the neck.

neck exercises

7. Yoga Asanas

Procedure:

  • Performing certain Yoga Asanas regularly gives relief from pain.
  • Practicing Trikonasana helps relieve pain in the neck and shoulders.
  • Practicing Veerasana, the one leg squat, tones the muscles.
  • Perfecting the Gomukhasana (cow face pose) is good for the spine, elbows etc.
  • Performing the Vrikshasana (one-legged tree pose) is good for joints.

How does this work?

Yoga Asanas have been advocated for curing several ills, and there are several asanas that help get relief from neck pain. While practicing Trikonasana (sideways bend) daily offers relief from pain in the neck and shoulders, practicing Veerasana regularly helps tone the muscles in the body.

With a little bit of practice you can master Gomukhasana which is very good for keeping the spine supple and also helps keep the elbow joints in good condition. Practicing Vrikshasana regularly is good for the joints in the body.  Yoga Asanas make one of the best remedies for neck pain.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, it is important to learn the correct postures either from a trained instructor or through reliable tutorials.

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

Procedure:

  • Rub a few drops of undiluted Rosemary Essential Oil on the affected neck part.
  • Massage gently for about 10 minutes.
  • Repeat the process twice or thrice daily for a week or so.

How does this work?

Essential oils like Rosemary, Lavender or Thyme help enhance the blood flow to the muscles and create warmth in the specific area that is affected with pain. Apart from massaging Rosemary essential oil it can be added to the bathwater in the bathtub and one can soak for an hour or so to get relief from neck pain. Rosemary Essential oil is one of the safest home remedies for stiff neck.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. Massaging has been advocated in folk medicine for curing aches and pains.

5. Turmeric

Procedure:

  • Mix 2 teaspoons of pure Turmeric powder in a glass of warm cow’s milk.
  • Drink the mixture before bedtime.
  • Continue the process for a week or so.

How does this work?

Turmeric is a wonder medicinal spice that is very potent and has excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Ginger is also a great anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the swelling and also helps by easing the pain in the neck. The curcumin content in Turmeric gives it healing properties that help keep neck pain in control. Thus Turmeric makes an excellent home remedy for neck pain.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good.

4. Ginger

Procedure:

  • Take 2 fingers of fresh ginger. Wash, peel and grate the ginger.
  • Boil a glass of water in a small bowl. Add the grated ginger.
  • Allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of organic honey.
  • Drink the concoction while it is hot. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Ginger is a wonder herb root that has amazing medicinal properties. Apart from being a very effective antibiotic, it also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in folk medicine for ages for treating cough, colds, stomach disorders and aches and pains in the body.

Moreover, ginger enhances the blood circulation and promotes blood flow in the affected areas to give instant relief from the neck pain. Ginger is the best natural neck pain treatment at home.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good.

how to get rid of pain in neck

3. Cayenne Pepper

Procedure:

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper powder with 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil (mildly heated). Apply the mixture on the painful areas in the neck.
  • Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Applying Cayenne pepper powder on the affected areas inhibits the Substance P which transmits the pain signals to the brain. When these signals are stopped, the feeling of pain is subdued. Cayenne pepper powder is hot in nature and should be applied only on the areas where there is severe pain. If applied on non-painful areas it can cause irritation. Cayenne pepper powder is one of the best home remedies for neck pain.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, as Cayenne pepper is very hot in nature, it should be applied only on areas that have severe pain.

2. Neck Exercises

Procedure:

  • Sit with your back straight and rotate your neck in a circular motion.
  • Do the same exercise clockwise and anti-clockwise alternatively.
  • Similarly, move your head upwards and downwards slowly.
  • Move your head to touch both shoulders alternatively.
  • Repeat these simple stretching exercises as many times as possible.
  • Continue the exercises daily, making it a regimen.

How does this work?

Giving regular exercise to the neck muscles helps remove the stiffness in the neck region and helps get relief from neck pain. In addition to strengthening the muscles in the neck region, exercising helps enhance blood circulation as well.

While strengthening the neck muscles, exercising simultaneously works on the back and shoulder muscles, and removes all stiffness and helps get relief from the pain. Neck exercises are one of the easiest home remedies for neck pain.

The Remedy is not Good if:

There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, make sure that you embark on an exercise regimen gradually lest you sprain your neck and aggravate the situation.how to get rid of neck pain from sleeping

1. Ice Pack

Procedure:

  • Take a handful of ice cubes from the fridge. Bundle up the ice cubes in a polythene bag.
  • Apply the cold compress on the painful areas. Continue the process for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Repeat the process once or twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Ice cubes have a cooling effect that soothes the painful areas. The area that is cooled by an ice pack gets better blood circulation, especially the underlying tissue and muscle, which helps get relief from the neck pain.

Applying a cold compress helps bring down the temperature surrounding the neck area and causes a temporary numbness that helps get immense relief from the pain almost instantly. It also prevents the blood from clotting in the region and helps gain immense relief. An ice pack is one of the best home remedies for neck pain.

2 Comments

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    • Hello Amy, Risk factors are associated with other muscular and joint conditions in general like a sedentary lifestyle, family history or genetics, sleeping disorders, smoking, psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and obesity.

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