How To Relieve Neck Pain
1. Exercises
Strengthening exercises rely on adding load on your muscles progressively, making them stronger and more flexible. Exercise can help in relieving neck pain and make the neck flexible and strong, apart from reducing stiffness.
You Will Need
Preset exercise routine
What You Can Do
Performing a simple set of exercises could ease neck pain:
- Nod your head forward and backward for some time, and then gradually start nodding from one side to the other.
- Once your muscles feel less tense, slowly turn your head completely towards the left, and then completely towards your right. This might hurt a bit, so take it slow.
- Do at least 20 repetitions.
- Do this exercise every few hours, and you’ll find the stiffness in your neck ease away.
How Often Should You Do This
Do this at least 5 days a week.
2. Yoga
Stress can induce muscle tension. Following traditional relaxation techniques, such as yoga, can help your body relax and relieve the tension around the neck and shoulders.
You Will Need
A yoga mat
What You Can Do
Here are a few yoga poses known to relieve neck pain:
- Bharadvajasana – This is also called the Twist Pose. It can relieve the tension in the neck and shoulder muscles and alleviate pain.
- Marjariasana – This is also known as the Cat Pose. It can help in stretching out your spine and back muscles to relieve neck pain.
- Uttana Shishosana – This pose will extend your spine and also increase blood flow to the neck and head.
- Balasana – This is also called the Child’s Pose. It is a simple asana to stretch the neck and back gently. Use this asana as a resting pose between the other poses.
- Savasana – This relaxation pose can calm the mind and body and relieve stress.
How Often Should You Do This
5-7 days a week.
3. Essential Oils
Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe sore muscles (4). Lavender oil is often used in aromatherapy to relax the mind. It can also soothe the muscles of the body. Relieving stress and anxiety can also help in easing physical tension. Basil oil is antispasmodic and analgesic. It is also useful in reducing stress and can be used to reduce neck pain.
You Will Need
- A few drops of peppermint oil
- A few drops of lavender oil
- A few drops of basil oil
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Make a blend of the essential oils.
- Mix a few drops of this blend with warm olive oil.
- Massage this oil on the neck for a few minutes.
- You can also use these oils individually or any combination of the oils. Do not forget to dilute it in a carrier oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this twice a day.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method in which tiny needles are inserted in specific and strategic points of the skin. It has been widely used to treat any kind of pain, and studies recommend acupuncture as an alternative to traditional medicine for short-term relief from neck pain.
What You Can Do
Book a session with an acupuncture practitioner nearby.
You Will Need
Consult a certified therapist to treat your neck pain through acupuncture.
How Often Should You Do It
One or two sessions a week for a few months.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy for neck pain and stiffness. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents present in apple cider vinegar can relieve the stress in the neck muscles and reduce the pain.
You Will Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- A paper napkin or tissue
What You Have To Do
- Soak the napkin in the vinegar and place this on your neck.
- Leave it on for an hour or so.
How Often Should You Do This
Repeat this twice a day until you get relief from neck pain.