how to relieve a stiff neck???

Question

please don't say get a massage, i have tried to call several places and can't get an appointment for this weekend. please any thoughts or ideas would be great - i am hurting sooooo bad!!!!!

p.s. it isn't an injury, it is just a stiff neck, woke up with it hurting this morning.

Answer 1

First take some ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Alleve) if you can safely (according to your doctor)--this should reduce inflammation. Fill a sock with uncooked rice and tie or close off the end of it. Microwave it for 2-3 minutes and wrap it in a hand towel. This creates a heat pack that will mold to your neck. Put it on the stiff part of your neck for 20 minutes. Then slowly stretch out your neck in all directions. Also do downward shoulder presses. Go easy, don't push it until it hurts or you will make it worse. Drink tons of water to keep the muscles hydrated or they will stiffen up again.

Answer 2

You need to do some VERY GENTLE range of motion exercises of the neck and shoulders. Rotate your neck in all directions very slowly and very gently a few times. Some warmth will help too. And if this continues, talk with a physician. I'm sensitive about this issue because I just recently had to have a discectomy of the cervical spine with two discs removed and cadavar bone wedged between the vertebrae and a titanium plate and 3 screws inserted. The bones in my neck are soft and I was in much pain. So don't take a stiff neck lightly if it occurs often or lasts more than a day. For adults, this is also a symptom of meningitis.

Answer 3

First of all, depending on how you got this injury, be very careful to any injury around the neck. If it's just a stiff neck or pulled muscles then a very hot, moist, towel around the neck helps but so does a long soak in a HOT tub of water with water up to your neck. Be careful though as you position yourself in the tub. Most creams that say they relieve muscle aches are just mental tricks. The moist heat of a bath, shower, or hot moist towel does more wonders than any smelly creams. Last, as hard as it is not to do, don't be moving or twisting your neck around but keep it as still as possible and in one direction or position.

Answer 4

Ibuprofen For Neck Pain

Answer 5

Take ibuprofen then, hot (as you can stand it) moist heat. Dampen a dish cloth or hand towel in water, wring it out, put in the micro for 2 minutes & wrap around your neck. Continue the ibu every 4-6 hours and change the moist heat when it cools off. Be careful you don't burn yourself!! Moist heat promotes blood circulation which will try to heal whatever the problem is. Ibuprofen should ease your pain -- good luck & hope you feel better!

Answer 6

I personally am a heat fan. Usually moist heat works best on stiff muscles, like a moist heating pad. Also taking Advil to help with swelling and pain (or which ever pain relive you like)

I am also addicted to the thermacare heat patches, they work great and stay on.actuhttp://www.thermacare.com/manageneckarm.jspally

Answer 7

warm up a towel or preferbaly a heating pad and apply to the neck

the warmth should ease the muscles

also take some ibuprofen in case there is any inflammation

Answer 8

Try a heating pad, or a topical cream like Bengay, or crack your neck if you're able. Or, you could always have a good, stiff drink if that's an option.

Answer 9

Try icey hott or if you don't want to go buy anything a nice hot shower

Answer 10

Very hot shower on it for 30 minutes.