People talk about all the aches and pains you can start getting as you get older. But it’s less common for people to mention the ones you get when you’re younger. You don’t have to be old to get twinges in your body, from aching joints to lower back problems. Even if you’re an active person, you can find things get stiff sometimes. Your neck is one of the worst areas to experience pain because it can limit your movement. You might find it hard to turn your head, which is inconvenient at the very least. If your neck is giving your trouble, some of the tips below might help you.
Relax
Being too tensed and stressed can play a big role in giving you a sore neck. Your neck and shoulders could be crying out from being scrunched up all day. Taking some time to relax and loosen your muscles could help you out. Try doing some meditation or even some yoga to stretch out and find some space to breath. You could also take a long bath or perhaps have someone give you a massage.
Apply Heat
Applying heat the sore area of your neck could help with the pain and give it some assistance to loosen up. You can have a hot bath or shower to start with, which will help you to relax. A hot water bottle or a heated pillow could also feel good. Or if your gym has a sauna, you could spend some time in there to sweat it out. Try doing a few gentle stretches at the same time, as it could help you to feel better.
Take Painkillers
If things are painful, and you’re finding it a little difficult to move, taking some painkillers can help. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two, to help you with the pain. You can also buy ibuprofen gel, which you apply directly to your skin to relieve the pain. Just make sure you check the instructions on the packet before you use any medication.
Change Your Behavior
It could be your daily habits that are causing you to have a stiff neck. For example, sleeping with the wrong pillow could be putting unnecessary strain on your neck. Using a low and firm pillow that holds your head and neck straight could be better for you than using soft or multiple pillows. Your posture while you’re awake could also have an effect on your neck. If you’re always hunching over a desk or something else, try to sit or stand up straighter when you can.
Get Treatment
If your neck pain isn’t going away, a visit to the doctor could be in order. You could choose to see your GP, a physiotherapist or a chiropractor. A professional can help you to find the cause of your neck pain and suggest some options for getting rid of it. You might have some therapy or perhaps be prescribed some stronger medication.
A sore neck can limit your ability to function, especially if you can’t turn your head. Take action to correct it so you can feel better as soon as possible.
