Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by many different things. It can be acute or chronic, and it can vary in severity. The good news is that there are a number of ways to get rid of neck pain naturally and quickly.
The best way to treat neck pain is to find out what’s causing it and make changes to your lifestyle accordingly. If you have chronic neck pain, consult a doctor to discuss your options for treatment.
In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best natural remedies for neck pain and how you can use them to help relieve your pain.
Possible Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common complaint and can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is known as cervicalgia, cervical syndrome, cervicogenic headache, and cervicogenic dizziness.
Neck pain can be caused by muscle tension or tightness in the neck muscles, referred to as muscle knots or trigger points. These trigger points may cause pain directly or may refer pain to other areas of the body such as the head, shoulder blade, or arm.
Other causes of neck pain include:
Injuries: A fall or blow to the head can cause significant trauma to the neck which can result in whiplash-like symptoms that may last for weeks or months after the injury occurred.
Postural problems: If you spend too much time with your head forward (looking down at your phone) you will create postural stress on your spine which over time leads to degenerative changes in the spine that can lead to chronic neck pain.
Poor sleeping position: Sleeping on your back with your head turned to one side may place undue stress on one side of your spine more than another causing inflammation and pain.
10 Ways to Relieve Neck Pain Naturally
Use heat or cold packs
Applying heat or cold packs can help reduce inflammation in the area around your spine and joints, which often causes pain when they’re inflamed.
Simply apply a hot towel or heating pad for 20 minutes every hour until you feel relief from your symptoms.
If you have access to an ice machine, you can use ice instead of heat packs for added relief, but only use this method for about 10 minutes at a time and never apply ice directly on the skin without wrapping it first.
Rest your neck
Avoid any activities that require repetitive use of your neck muscles. Avoid looking down at your phone when texting and avoid reading in bed as this places strain on the muscles supporting your head and neck while lying down.
Stretching exercises
One of the most effective ways to relieve neck pain is through stretching exercises. Stretching your neck muscles will help reduce muscle tension and prevent future injuries.
It’s best to do these exercises every day when you wake up and before bedtime. You can also do them multiple times throughout the day if needed.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy can be effective in helping to relieve pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, which often accompany headaches and migraines. Massage therapists use their hands or elbows to apply pressure on tense muscles while also stretching them out to release tension throughout the body.
If you don’t have access to professional massage therapists, there are plenty of self-help resources available online that can teach you basic massage techniques for yourself or for your loved ones with chronic pain conditions such as neck pain, sciatica, etc.
Have a proper mattress or pillow
A poor mattress can be a source of many aches and pains, including neck pain. Make sure that you buy a good-quality mattress that provides adequate support for your body.
Use a soft neck collar
A soft collar made from memory foam or silicon can provide temporary relief from neck pain. It also helps in reducing inflammation and swelling around the injured area.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in many dishes and can be found in most grocery stores. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain relief, and it also has antibacterial properties that can fight infection. Turmeric is good for both internal and external use, so it’s great for getting rid of any lingering aches or pains.
Camphor
Camphor is an essential oil that has been used for centuries as a topical analgesic and antispasmodic agent. It can be added to creams or salves for relief from muscle spasms and inflammation in your neck area.
Lavender oil
Lavender is not only a relaxing scent; it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain in the neck area. To use lavender to relieve pain, simply add one drop of lavender essential oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil before massaging into sore muscles and joints.
Ginger
Ginger root has been used for centuries because of its ability to help with digestion, nausea, and other stomach issues, but recent research shows that ginger may also be beneficial when it comes to easing pain in the joints and muscles. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce swelling in the body and works as an analgesic (painkiller).
Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root to your favorite tea recipe, or drink it plain hot or cold (add honey if desired). You can also chew on 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger root as needed.
Final Words
In general, if you exercise properly and stretch often, along with acupuncture or hot baths, you should see a decrease in your neck pain over time. Of course, there are many other methods out there for alleviating neck pain, but these four are some of the easiest and most effective. Give them a shot.
