Stiff Neck Pain

Oh, no! Not another stiff neck!

What's making you so uncomfortable? It could be one of several things.

There are medical conditions which can cause stiff neck pain and you certainly should call your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand
• have recently been in an accident, fallen, or had any type of blow to your upper torso
• cannot move your upper body and/or arms, or have extreme stiffness in any of those areas
• a stiff neck muscle that is combined with swollen glands
• pain is not subsiding with the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medication
• have a fever combined with a stiff neck
• stiff neck causes headaches and/or dizziness
• having difficulty swallowing or breathing
• stiff neck pain is accompanied by any other unusual condition

However, most often the stiffness is related to your everyday lifestyle. The primary contributors being too much uninterrupted time spent at your computer, sleeping with your neck in an unnatural position, or exercising before a proper warm up.

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What's a good stiff neck pain cure?

Ice therapy treatment is usually the initial remedy. Twenty minute treatments, applied several times a day for the first 48-72 hours, can help reduce swelling significantly. After that, heat from shower water, a hot compress or heating pad can be used to soothe the discomfort and encourage blood flow to the area.

Additionally, a few of these neck stretching exercises may be in order. Do them slowly, and do not continue if you feel pain. These are only meant to be done if you have determined that your stiff neck cause is not due to a medical condition.

Side to Side Tilt

1. Keep your head looking straight forward as you slowly tilt it to the side. Only tilt until it's half way to your shoulder, or to where you don't feel an uncomfortable strain.
2. Hold for a few seconds.
3. Return your head to center.
4. Tilt head in same manner towards the opposite shoulder.
5. Do 5-10 repetitions 3 times a day.

Side to Side Rotation

1. Slowly turn your head to the side as far as you can.
2. Hold for a few seconds.
3. Return your head to the center.
4. Turn your head in the opposite direction.
5. Do 5-10 repetitions 3 times a day.

Front to Back Tilt

1. Tilt your head slowly back, far enough so you can look up.
2. Hold for a few seconds.
3. Return slowly to front position.
4. Do 5-10 repetitions 3 times a day.

Forward Resistance Exercise

1. Place both hands flat on your forehead.
2. Try to push forward but resist with both hands.
3. Hold for a few seconds.
4. Relax.
5. Do 5-10 repetitions 3 times a day.

One of the best remedies for stiff neck pain is prevention. Including a few of these exercises in your daily routine may help you maintain greater mobility and your neck and shoulder muscles.