How to relieve neck stiffness?

A stiff neck can be quite uncomfortable and is usually caused by a muscle strain or injury. Here are some simple, drug-free traditional suggestions for relieving a stiff neck:

1. Heat Therapy: You can apply heat to relax the muscles in your neck. You can use a warm towel or a hot water bottle. Apply for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Cold Compress: For the first 48 hours, you can apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation. You can apply an ice pack with a thin cloth for 10-15 minutes.

3. Gentle Exercises and Stretching: You can do gentle stretching movements to relieve tension in your neck. Slowly tilt your head from side to side, up and down, and toward both shoulders.

4. Massage: You can relax the tense muscles in your neck by gently massaging them. You can get help from a loved one or a professional massage therapist.

5. Posture Control: Pay attention to your neck posture in your daily activities. Be careful to keep your neck in the correct position when using the computer, watching TV or using the phone.

6. Supportive Pillow: Use a suitable pillow that supports your neck while sleeping. Orthopedic pillows can help with this.

7. Rest: Try to rest by avoiding activities that may strain your neck.

If your neck pain persists or worsens despite the above recommendations, you may need to see a doctor. Now, I need to ask you some additional questions so that I can evaluate your neck stiffness in detail:

• Can you tell me how long your stiffness has been going on?
• Is there a history of any injuries or strenuous physical activities?
• Does your neck pain cause any pain that radiates to your shoulders, arms or hands?
• Are there any additional symptoms such as dizziness, headache or vision problems?

I take the necessary steps to determine the right branch according to your case characteristics. I am not a real doctor and this is not a medical diagnosis.