1. Epsom Salt
Soak Epsom salt in your bath water and take a bath with it. This salt contains magnesium and sulphate, which regulates the activity of various enzymes in the body. This remedy helps in increasing the blood circulation, reducing the muscle tension and stress.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a paper napkin in some apple cider vinegar and place it on your neck. Leave it for few hours. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for stiff neck muscles as it gives great relief in just one application.
3. Celery Leaves
Blend celery leaves and extract its juice. Drink it daily to get relief from pain, caused due to a stiff neck.
4. Applying ice or cold packs
The cold helps reduce inflammation in the area, which in turn allows it to heal. The ice or cold pack should be applied in twenty-minute intervals during the initial 24 hours.
5. Exercise
Exercising helps a lot. Gently move your neck in a circular motion. You can also move your neck in back and forth position. Side to side movement is also good. You can also try moving your neck in a pattern of digit-8. But, make sure it doesn’t pain. If it pains, don’t do these exercises.
6. Relaxation and Breathing:
Emotional stress can cause muscle tension. Think creatively about ways that reduce stress in your life. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or abdominal breathing.
7. Use moist heat on your neck
Heat helps tightened muscles relax, moist heat is better than dry heat, as it can penetrate into the neck more effectively. Apply heat to the back or neck area for at least 20 minutes at a time, three times daily.
8. Relax
Emotional stress can trigger muscle tension. Pay attention to what stresses you: your drive to work, your rush to get dinner on the table each night, meetings with your boss, and so on. After you’ve identified your common stressors, think creatively about ways to reduce your stress. One way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation or abdominal breathing.
9. Use massage
Massage can help ease tense muscles and give temporary relief, and it may help you sleep better. First, take a hot bath or shower to relax the muscles. Then, have your partner use oil or lotion and rub your neck and shoulders using the fingers to apply gentle pressure in small circular motions. Next, have your partner rub your neck and shoulders using firm pressure and long, downward strokes. Don’t forget the chest area. If you don’t have a willing partner, try rubbing your own neck and chest area with oil or lotion for 10 or 15 minutes.
10. Practice good posture
Posture has more to do with neck pain than people realize. The head and spine balance in relation to gravity. When poor posture pulls the curve of the lower back forward, the upper back curves farther backward to compensate. In response, the neck curves forward, in a strained position.
11. Unlearn “neck-bashing” habits
Do you crimp the phone between your neck and shoulder? Do you often fall asleep sitting up in a chair and wake with your head tilted way back or your chin to your chest? Do you shampoo your hair in the sink? All of these habits can cause neck strain. Become aware of habits that strain your neck and replace them with neck-healthy ones.
12. Sleep on a firm mattress
If you wake in the morning with a stiff or sore neck, your mattress, pillow, or sleeping habits are probably the culprit. Use a firm mattress and keep your head aligned with your spine. Don’t sleep on your stomach, since it forces your head up. Avoid pillows that are too thick and firm; try feather or crushed-foam pillows rather than those of solid foam rubber.
Sources:
http://homeremedyshop.com
http://homeremediesforlife.com
http://www.wikihow.com
http://www.spine-health.com
http://www.homeremediesorg.com
http://health.howstuffworks.com
http://watchfit.com
