How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck

Stiffness of neck, which is a fairly common problem, causes a great deal of discomfort, as it impedes the movement of head. Here, along with neck soreness, you could also experience pain at the shoulder and in your arms.

But, it will be heartening for you to know that the issue of how to get rid of a stiff neck can very easily be resolved with natural remedies. And, it is about these remedies that this article is going to focus upon.

What Causes Stiff Neck?

Prior to moving on to the home remedies, it won’t be inappropriate to be having a quick look at the major stiff neck causes.

• Improper sleeping position
• Stress and anxiety
• Accident
• Making use of pillow that does not provide proper support to head and neck
• Few sporting activities

Home Remedies for Stiff Neck Treatment

This is the section of the article that you very eagerly want to read! You will now acquire exhaustive details on how to get rid of a stiff neck with help of natural remedies. Once you are equipped with this vital information, alleviating the condition is going to become an uncomplicated matter!

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent stiff neck remedy that will be of immense help to you. The strong anti-inflammatory effect of the oil will give you fast relief! Just go ahead and give the remedy a try!

Things you need:

Olive oil- ½ cup

Things you need to do:

1. Take ½ cup of olive oil.
2. Warm the oil a little making sure that it does not get too hot.
3. Spread it over the neck region.
4. Slowly massage for around 10 minutes.
5. Repeat it 2 times every day for 4 days.
6. Here, you also have the option of using mustard/ coconut oil, instead of olive oil.

2. Ice Pack

If you are concerned as to what to do for a stiff neck, this ice pack is a cure that you should not miss! This apparently humble remedy successfully combats the inflammation and thus changes things for the better!

Things you need:

• Ice cubes- 5
• Towel- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take 5 ice cubes and 1 towel.
2. Enclose the ice cubes in towel.
3. Now gently compress it on neck for 10 minutes.
4. Follow that 5 times daily until you fully recover.

3. Hot Compress

In case you fail to notice any improvement with the ice pack treatment, the hot compress will then come to your rescue! The remedy enables an increased flow of blood at the neck region and, this automatically minimizes the stiff neck severity.

Things you need:

Heating pad- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 heating pad.
2. Fill it with hot water.
3. Slowly press the pad on your neck.
4. Continue doing that for around 15 minutes.
5. Use the remedy 4 times daily to see how to get rid of stiff neck.

4. Epsom Salt Bath

The Epsom salt bath, undoubtedly, is among the best stiff neck remedies that you can use in comfort of your home. The magnesium sulfate present in this salt enhances the working of vital enzymes within body and, this lessens the stiffness.

Things you need:

Epsom salt- 2 cups

Things you need to do:

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water.
2. Then put 2 cups of Epsom salt in this water.
3. Stir water well so that the salt gets totally dissolved.
4. Bathe in the tub for about half-hour.
5. Repeat the bath 4 times in the week for stiff neck relief.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Is the question of how to fix a stiff neck the cause of your worry? If yes, then please note that apple cider vinegar is one of the best answers for it. The positives in the ACV are too well-known to necessitate any special mention!

Method 1- Direct Application of ACV

The method will ease your discomfort in a fairly short span.

Things you need:

• Apple cider vinegar- ½ cup
• Paper napkin- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take ½ cup of apple cider vinegar.
2. Now take 1 paper napkin and immerse it in ACV.
3. Put the paper napkin on neck.
4. Let that be undisturbed for roughly 3 hours to see the result.

Method 2- Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

The ACV bath will give you the preferred outcome quicker than what you expect.

Things you need:

Apple cider vinegar- 2 cups

Things you need to do:

1. Take 2 cups of ACV.
2. Put this vinegar in bathtub having warm water.
3. Mix the water thoroughly.
4. Have bath in the tub for 20 minutes.
5. Repeat the ACV bath 1 time daily

6. Peppermint Oil

Here there is another lovely natural stiff neck remedy for you, peppermint oil, which is an analgesic that includes menthol as well. Hence, it is not at all surprising that the oil effectively treats the problem. Start to use it immediately!

Method 1- Peppermint Oil and Olive Oil

See as to how to cure a stiff neck using the blend of peppermint oil and olive oil.

Things you need:

• Peppermint oil- 1 tsp
• Olive oil- 2 tsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 tsp of peppermint oil and 2 tsp of olive oil.
2. Warm the olive oil just a bit.
3. Now combine the peppermint oil and olive oil.
4. Mix properly.
5. Slowly rub the oil on neck.
6. Follow the method 2 times every day for 5 days.

Method 2- Peppermint Oil Cold Compress

You can depend upon the peppermint oil cold compress, too, for the purpose.

Things you need:

• Cold water- 1 bowl
• Peppermint oil- ½ tsp
• Washcloth- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take ½ tsp of peppermint oil and 1 bowl having cold water.
2. Put the oil in water.
3. Mix it well.
4. Take 1 washcloth and dip it in the bowl.
5. Keep the cloth over your neck for 20 minutes.
6. Repeat it 2 times every day to understand how to treat a stiff neck.

7. Radish

Using radish is one more reliable stiff neck treatment. See the details of this easy-to-use remedy and you won’t be disappointed!

Things you need:

Radish- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 radish.
2. Slice it into few pieces.
3. Then put these pieces on the impacted site of neck.
4. Wait for around 7 minutes.
5. Remove the radish pieces.
6. Wash your neck using lukewarm water.

8. Ginger

Ginger has the capability to beat the inflammation within body and, it acts as an analgesic as well. Also, this particular remedy comprises of lemon juice and honey, both of which play their part in your healing.

So once you begin using this ginger tea as the remedy, your distress won’t last long. The cure is just round the corner!

Things you need:

• Ginger root- 3 pieces
• Water- 1 bowl
• Honey- 2 tsp
• Lemon juice- 1 tbsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 3 pieces of ginger root and remove their skin.
2. Cut them into tiny pieces.
3. Take 1 bowl of water and put the ginger pieces in it.
4. Boil the water fully.
5. Now steep the water for around 7 minutes.
6. Strain the liquid into 1 cup.
7. Then put 2 tsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice in the liquid.
8. Mix it thoroughly.
9. Just have the tea directly.
10. Consume this tea 3 times every day to know how to help a stiff neck.

9. Lavender Oil

How to treat a stiff neck is now a very easy-to-solve issue for you, as you will now use a wonderful remedy, lavender oil. The oil is being used for its curative effects since several centuries and thus it is very much tried and tested.

Things you need:

Lavender oil- 1 tsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 tsp of lavender oil.
2. Apply the oil on neck.
3. Slowly massage it for 10 minutes.
4. Use that 2 times every day to get a good stiff neck treatment.

10. Cayenne pepper

An analgesic substance that also fights the inflammation will be of utmost significance, to alleviate your physical distress. And, cayenne pepper is one such powerful ingredient. Just begin to use this remedy and you will be amazed with the final result! So, do not delay anymore!

Things you need:

• Cayenne pepper- 2 tsp
• Olive oil- 2 tbsp
• Bandage- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take 2 tbsp of olive oil and heat it a bit.
2. The oil must not become too hot.
3. Now put 2 tsp of cayenne pepper in the oil.
4. Mix thoroughly.
5. Spread the blend over the impacted area of neck.
6. Then take 1 bandage and cover the area with it.
7. Let that be as it is for 3-4 hours.
8. Follow the steps 1 time daily for 5 days for stiff neck relief.

11. Turmeric

Turmeric will give you a very good answer for the issue of how to relieve a stiff neck. As it is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that enhances blood flow in body as well, you will overcome the condition fast.

In fact, here you will be benefited by the healing properties of milk and honey, too. Try it with total faith and see the difference for yourselves!

Things you need:

• Turmeric powder- 1 tsp
• Milk- 1 cup
• Honey- ½ tsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 tsp turmeric powder.
2. Now take 1 cup of milk and add the turmeric powder in it.
3. Mix well.
4. Heat the milk on low heat setting for around 7 minutes.
5. Let the milk cool down a bit.
6. Put ½ tsp of honey in the milk and mix nicely.
7. Directly consume the milk.
8. Use this method 2 times every day for 5-7 days.

12. DIY Analgesic

If your quest is for stiff neck remedies that can quickly redeem you of the pain and discomfort, then this DIY analgesic is for you. The remedy is a perfect blend of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, coconut oil and beeswax. You will be simply awestruck with the effectiveness of this cure!

Things you need:

• Coconut oil- 2 tbsp
• Beeswax- 1 tbsp
• Peppermint oil- ½ tsp
• Eucalyptus oil- ½ tsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 2 tbsp of coconut oil and 1 tbsp of beeswax.
2. Combine both the ingredients and melt them.
3. Now put ½ tsp each of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil in that blend.
4. Wait for the mix to cool down a bit.
5. Then spread the stiff neck remedy over your neck.
6. You will feel relief very fast.

13. Camphor and Peppermint Oil  

Just be relaxed and consider yourself to be totally cured! Well, there is every reason to be optimistic, for you will now be given details on a top remedy! This is an excellent blend of camphor and peppermint oil, with which you can rest assured of rapid recovery.

Camphor improves blood flow at the impacted place of your neck, while the cooling effect of menthol in peppermint oil will lessen the intensity of pain. So what for you are waiting? Try the cure at this very instant!

Things you need:

• Powdered camphor- 1 tbsp
• Peppermint oil- 1 tsp

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 tbsp of powdered camphor and 1 tsp of peppermint oil.
2. Put the oil in camphor powder.
3. Mix it properly.
4. Slowly massage the blend on your neck, 2 times daily.
5. Follow the treatment as long as you need it.

14. Celery Leaf Juice

How to help a stiff neck will no longer be a worrisome problem for you and, you can thank the celery leaf juice for that. The powerful anti-inflammatory property of the leaves will do the job for you. The remedy will work wonders for you!

Things you need:

Celery leaves- 1 cup

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 cup of celery leaves.
2. Grind the leaves to take out their juice.
3. Directly consume the juice.
4. Have the remedy 1 time daily and the stiffness will disappear.

15. Scraping of Skin

Scraping of skin, for which the assistance of one more person is required, enhances blood circulation. And this obviously addresses the issue in an effective way.

Things you need:

• Chamomile oil- 1 tbsp
• Spoon- 1

Things you need to do:

1. Take 1 tsp of chamomile oil.
2. Spread the oil on your neck.
3. Now the person assisting you has to carry out the next step.
4. They should take a spoon and gently scrap on region of neck.
5. This boosts circulation of blood and eases the stiffness.
6. Here, you can use rosemary/lavender oil, in place of chamomile oil.

16. Exercise for Stiff Neck Treatment

You also have a simple exercise that essays an important role to heal the condition.

Process to be followed:

1. Start with the normal sitting posture.
2. Keep your body straight.
3. Slowly start moving the head up and down.
4. Be very careful that the movements are gentle, lest it puts more strain on neck.
5. After about 5 minutes, begin bending the head towards left and right shoulder alternately, at slow pace.
6. Continue with this for 5 more minutes.
7. Finally, gently turn the head left and right for few more minutes.

Additional Tips

Please do not think that you have finished reading details on how to get rid of a stiff neck. The points to be highlighted in this section are as significant as the above natural remedies. Therefore, you are advised to make a careful note of the guidelines.

• Just have a bath of warm water ensuring that the neck is directly below the shower. This definitely has a soothing effect!
• Stay away from high-intensity workouts and sports, until you experience complete stiff neck relief. Any negligence, in this respect, can seriously aggravate things for you. Jogging, running, football and weightlifting, etc, are few of those activities.
• It is preferable that you do not drive with stiff neck.
• Make it a point that you sleep facing the roof. If you try to sleep in the opposite direction, the neck gets subjected to more strain.
• You have to periodically replace the mattress. If you continue using an old one for too long, it puts you at the risk of developing neck stiffness.
• If you frequently face the problem, it is very much likely that you have been using an improper pillow. Opt for a pillow that is suitable for the exact way you sleep.
• For proper stiff neck treatment, along with the home remedies, it is imperative that you sleep for at least 7 hours, every night.
• Does your job involve being seated in the same posture for prolonged duration? If yes, then you need to take a break every 2-3 hours and slowly walk for few minutes.
• Some yoga postures will be of great help to you to find the much-needed relief.
• Deficiency of vitamins is one of the primary reasons as to why you are more prone to neck stiffness. Hence, it goes without saying that your daily diet comprises of foods that are rich in vitamins.

You are now fully knowledgeable on how to get rid of a stiff neck with natural methods. Just allow this knowledge to be of real help to you, by using any of the remedies. Please send across a few lines about how this article has helped you.