We’ve all been there. It’s time to start your day, you hop out of bed and…ouch! That dreaded pain in the neck stops you in your tracks.
A knot in any muscle is annoying to say the least, but it’s especially frustrating when the offender is smack dab in your neck. The common phrase pain in the neck isn’t thrown around for no reason—it’s the worst!
Don’t freak out. We have some fast fixes for you to help you work out the kinks.
7 Super Quick Fixes for that Pain in the Neck
Drink Up
The next time you have pain in the neck, drink water—and lots of it! The discs between the vertebrae in your spine need water to maintain their height and spinal alignment and to take pressure off the spine.
Stretch
One of the best ways to relieve pain in the neck is by stretching. Here are some simple stretches to try:
Here are 6 more stretches from SELF to relieve that tight, sore neck.
Feel the Heat
Heat is great for relaxing tense muscles because it reaches deep into the neck for faster relief. Heat increases circulation and can ease stiff muscles. Try applying heat to the back of your neck for at least 20 minutes at a time and opt for a moist heat pad since it holds heat for longer periods of time. If you don’t have a moist heat pad, use a wet towel, hot water bottle or stand in a hot shower.
Your pain in the neck could be caused by poor posture. Here’s 4 scary ways poor posture can impact your health.
Ice, Ice Baby
Following heat, ice your painful neck for 15 minutes at a time. The cold will effectively numb neck pain and decrease inflammation.
Peppermint Oil
Not only will you smell like a peppermint patty, but peppermint oil is an effective wait to soothe still muscles in the neck. Gently massage your neck with this mixture twice a day for some fast relief:
- Warm 2 teaspoons of olive oil in the microwave for 5 seconds. Then, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to it.
Take a Chill Pill
If you’re stressed, it can trigger muscle tension. Pay close attention to the things that stress you out. Once you identify these common stressors, find ways to reduce your stress to keep neck pain at bay.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is made up of the chemical compound magnesium sulfate and can work wonders to relieve a stiff neck. Epsom salt also improves circulation and regulates the activity of various enzymes in the body to reduce muscle tension and stress.
