Neck Pain Treatment at Home – 10 Remedies That Can Help
Neck pain is a medical condition that’s very common. It can affect people of any age, and contrary to popular belief is not more common as we get older. There are many different neck pain causes and treatment options available. Treatment for neck pain doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be done at the doctor’s surgery or a hospital. There are plenty of decent home remedies available for neck pain that just may just solve the problem, and this article will take you through some of the most popular, home-based neck pain treatments. But, before we look at the solution, first let’s take a look at the cause.
What Causes Neck Pain?
As mentioned above there are many different causes of neck pain. The following are some of the most common ones:
- Muscle strain
- Tension
- Cervical degenerative diseases
- Slipped discs
- Whiplash
- Infections
- Uncomfortable sleeping position.
What are the Main Symptoms Associated with Neck Pain?
The level of pain and the symptoms people experience when they have neck pain will vary for each individual. However, the main symptoms associated with neck pain are:
- Stiff neck
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Numbness or weakness in the arms
- Fever
- Tenderness
- Clicking/grating noise in the neck.
As you can see there are several causes and symptoms associated with neck pain. Once you know what the cause of your neck pain is you can first eliminate it and then take the relevant steps in which to recover. Here are some of the most popular cervical neck pain treatments available for home use.
Neck Pain Treatment at Home – 10 Simple Home Remedies for Neck Pain
1. Apply Ice and Heat
One of the simplest ways to ease minor neck pain while at home is to apply ice and heat to the affected area. While the ice will bring any swelling down, the heat loosens the muscles. Here’s an easy technique to use at home that should bring you some relief: First, apply ice to the neck for the first 2-3 days. After that, apply heat. This could be in the form of a hot compress, heat pad, or warm shower.
2. Adjust Your Sleeping Position
If you think your neck pain is due to an uncomfortable sleeping position, this can be easily be remedied. One way to do this is to try sleeping on a firmer mattress. Some people find that sleeping without a pillow helps. However, if this is too uncomfortable for you there are specially designed pillows available to buy that could help, such as a water pillow.
3. Carry Out Neck Exercises
This is a simple, yet effective form of neck pain physiotherapy treatment at home. Not only will exercising help strengthen the neck muscles it will also help to lower stress levels too. Before carrying out any neck exercises make sure your neck is not too stiff. You can loosen up your neck muscles by simply applying moist heat to it before you begin. When your neck feels relaxed enough, start by slowly rotating it in a circular motion, both clockwise and counter-clockwise. This will help stretch out any upset muscles. Then gently move it back and forth and side to side 5 or 6 times up to three times a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
It just wouldn’t be a home remedy guide without a reference to apple cider vinegar. This stuff is an extremely useful ingredient that acts as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and can help to ease neck pain fast. For another simple neck pain treatment at home simply place a paper towel on your neck that’s been soaked in apple cider vinegar and leave it there for 1-2 hours. Keep doing this twice a day until the pain disappears.
5. Epsom Salt
This is something that many people have in their cupboards already. Epsom salt contains sulfate magnesium which helps to reduce muscle tension and stress while increasing blood circulation. To feel the benefits of Epsom salt simply add 1-2 cups of it to a bath full of warm water and soak in it for around 10 to 15 minutes. You can do this up to twice a day and should feel relief for your neck pain pretty quickly.
6. Lavender Oil
Massaging lavender oil into the neck muscles after a hot bath is a really nice way to relieve neck pain. Do this for around 10 minutes a day until the pain is gone.
7. Turmeric
This spice is used quite often in Ayurvedic medicines for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The best way to use turmeric to help ease neck pain is to make a cream out of it using olive oil. Mix together 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with around 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once smooth add the cream to the affected area of your neck and leave for around 30 minutes. Then simply wash it off with warm water.
8. Yoga
Many people yoga as an alternative to painkillers. Practicing yoga helps to loosen the muscles and relieve soreness caused by strains. There are much different yoga poses out there, but some of the best for neck pain are the standing forward pose (Uttanasana), the cat pose (Marjariasana) and the easy seated twist (Shukhasana Parivrtti).
9. Hydrotherapy
You don’t need to go to an expensive center to reap the benefits of hydrotherapy. You can do it yourself in your own home shower and is a great way to relieve neck pain. All you need to do is focus the warm water on your neck for 3-4 minutes. Then switch it to cold for around 30-60 seconds. Keep repeating for as long as possible. While the hot water will help to ease the muscles and increase blood circulation, the cold water will help reduce any inflammation.
10. Ginger
This natural ingredient has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is a very effective form of home treatment when it comes to neck pain. The easiest and nicest way to get relief for neck pain from ginger is to simply drink a few cups of ginger tea a day until your neck pain is no more.
Just remember that it often takes a mixture of remedies to completely rid neck pain. So don’t give up after trying just one or two. However, if you do find that you’ve tried several options and nothing seems to be working, it is advised to seek medical attention.