A stiff neck is a common problem for most people at one time or another. Whether you sleep in an awkward position, sit with poor posture at work or suffer some sort of trauma, a stiff neck can put a damper on your day. When the muscles in your neck tighten and you feel discomfort or loss of mobility, try some gentle home fixes to ease your condition. Consult your doctor if you feel intense pain in your neck, or any tingling or loss of feeling in your extremities.
Step 1
Sit up straight so your back doesn't touch the back of your chair. Breathe in deeply and lower your right ear toward your right shoulder as you exhale. Leave your neck in that position and breathe in and out slowly several times. Do at least five breaths, then lift your head and gently massage the area that you stretched. Repeat the same stretch on the left side.
Step 2
Stand up from your desk or work area and move around several times per day. Shrug your shoulders and rotate your head slowly from left to right to keep the blood flowing and prevent further tightening.
Step 3
Fill your bathtub with hot water and relax in the tub to increase blood flow to the area and loosen the muscles. Apply heat with a heating pad if you don't want to sit in the tub or are too uncomfortable.
Step 4
Make an appointment with a massage therapist if you are able, or ask a friend or family member to gently massage the tight spots to relieve some stiffness.
Tips and Warnings
- Try an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen when you first notice the stiffness.
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