How To Get Rid Of Stiff Neck

Neck pain and stiffness are an indicator of poor posture. When a person is not taking care of how they sit, they can get this stiffness. The muscles of the neck become weak over time. It is important to maintain a healthy posture to keep the alignment of your muscles in position. People who work in offices behind the desk are more prone to get this pain. This pain can affect your daily life activities. It can also decrease the quality of your sleep cycle. There can be different reasons for the occurrence of this pain. Following article will explain the details about this pain and ways to get rid of it.

Stiff Neck

Neck pain and stiffness are among the most common complaints these days. This pain can be caused because of a strained muscle in your neck. Many people who have the job of looking at the screens of the monitor all day also get this stiffness. A ruptured nerve can also cause this pain, and the intensity of the pain can be sharp. Making sudden twisting movements can also initiate this pain. Misuse of the muscles and lifting a heavyweight are major contributing factors to this pain. It is significant to get immediate medical help to get proper treatment.

Causes Of Stiff Pain

There are multiple reasons for this pain, and it is necessary to pinpoint the exact cause behind the pain. Sitting in awkward positions, looking down at your phone for a long time, and having poor posture are the main reasons. Stress on your shoulder region can also cause stiffness of the neck. This stiffness leads to muscle strain as well. The pain in the neck is too much in this case that the patient can hardly move their neck. It also lowers the productivity of your work, and it can limit your movements as well. Doctors also suggest that osteoarthritis, clenched jaws, and taking stress also trigger this pain.

Treatment Options

There are multiple options of treatment available for this pain. You need to be careful with the treatment option and must only use them after a recommendation from your doctor. Some of the most common remedies to treat this pain at home are given below.

Apply Heat Or Cold Therapy

This is among the most effective ways to deal with neck stiffness. The application of heat on the affected area helps in reducing inflammation. This swelling can be a reason for the pulled muscle. You can also apply ice to the neck. Avoid directly applying the ice cubes to the skin. You can put the ice-cubes in a cloth and gently put it on the stiff neck. Make sure you are not applying both heat and cold therapy for a long time. Recommended time for these two is 10 to 15 minutes. Ice has the best results when it comes to improving the blood circulation in the affected area.

Take Plenty Of Rest

The patient with a stiff neck needs to take a rest. The stiffness in the neck is a sign that your body demands rest. Rest makes your body feel relaxed and ready for productive hours. People who have to complete their 9 hours shift sitting at a desk must take a day off. This will release the tension, and it will also help in keeping your body in a good posture. Doctors also recommend fixing your sleep cycle. A proper sleep cycle of 8 hours is important to take the tension out of the muscles.

Massage Therapy

There are several benefits of massage therapy, and you can easily do it at your home as well. Ask anyone to gently hold the neck. Make sure that the muscles of the neck are not tender. Gently massage the area for at least 15 minutes. It is necessary to cover all the directions and increase the smoothness. You can also use any cream or ointment to increase the healing process.

Change Your Matters And Pillow

Some of these problems also arise from sleeping on a hard mattress or a pillow. These two things can be extremely harmful to your posture. Many people have the misconception that sleeping on a rough mattress will reduce the pain. Make sure you are taking care of your spinal health as it is the most important thing to care for. There are also special neck pillows available for people with neck stiffness.

Practice Good Posture

The most important thing when you are looking for treatment options for this condition is to maintain a good posture. You should always sit at the desk with your monitor at eye level. Make sure your shoulders are not rounded when you are working. Take frequent breaks between work and change your posture. Do not keep on looking at your smartphone with your head down. Focus on your sleeping positions as well and see if a certain position triggers the pain.

Medication

Some people are sensitive to pain, and they cannot bear it for a long time. If this is the situation, you can easily use over-the-counter medicines. These medicines act as pain killers and reduce the pain. You can also take a muscle relaxant for an early release of tension in the muscles. This medicine also helps in letting you sleep properly.

Neck pain and stiffness can decrease the quality of life and restrict movement. Poor posture and not taking care of your muscle alignment are the main causes of this pain. You can eradicate this pain by using heat and cold therapy. These two therapies can be taken alternatively to get the best results. Changing your pillow and sleeping on soft surfaces also help. Taking plenty of rest and over the counter, medicines help a lot in reducing stiffness.

Leave a Comment