You can also try a more comfortable position to ice your neck. Sit in a comfortable chair and rest your head back. Place the pack between your shoulders and the bottom of your head. Lean back against it so your neck gets the full benefit of the cool temperature. Some experts feel that ice will contribute to increased stiffness in the neck because the cold will contract your muscles. [6] X Research source Try what feels good to your neck. Use a cold treatment for acute pain in the first 48-72 hours, and then switch to heat. [7] X Research source
If this exercise feels painful, don’t tilt your head too far forward or backward. Just try enough movement to feel a little stretch.
Football, rugby, hockey, or any other high-contact sports Golf Running or jogging Weightlifting Ballet Sit-ups and leg lifts
Your doctor might administer an anti-inflammatory injection. Cortisone injections can be given directly at the site of the stiffness and they will reduce inflammation of the neck, which may be contributing to stiffness. [13] X Research source
A fever. Vomiting and nausea. Difficulty touching your chin to your chest. Chest pain or pain in the left arm. Dizziness. If you have trouble sitting up, standing, or walking, see a doctor immediately.
Muscle relaxants may contain other medicines. Read the directions carefully to take the proper dosage.
You could also try flipping your mattress, which should be done occasionally to make sure the mattress doesn’t get misshapen. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, as some types of mattresses (for example, pillow top mattresses) usually should not be flipped.
Warm up the back of your neck by rubbing up and down with your hands. With gentle pressure, use your fingertips to rub in a circular motion on your neck. Focus on the areas that are most stiff, but rub your entire neck for relief. Repeat this motion up and down your neck for several minutes.
Check with your health insurance to see if massage is covered by your health plan.
See an acupuncture therapist for a consultation and ask them specifically about treating neck stiffness or neck pain.
The recommended daily allowance of magnesium supplement is anywhere from 310 milligrams to 420 milligrams, depending on age and gender. [32] X Research source Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
Gua Sha is not without controversy. Because it produces light bruising, it often looks unappealing, and it may not feel soothing or produce results for some patients. Gua Sha treatment should be approached with caution; communicate to your practitioner when the scraping doesn’t feel good or is rough on your skin. You don’t want to leave the session with irritated skin and no comfort.
If you have a computer monitor, make sure it is at eye level.
Don’t try to lift more weight than you can handle. Lifting shouldn’t be easy, but you also shouldn’t feel like you’re going to topple forward. Find the appropriate weight for your body type and strength level. Don’t lift too many times per week. Your muscles need time to repair between workout sessions. You can overstrain yourself if you work out too often.
