Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Treat your neck at home
• Warnings
• Necessities

A stiff neck can range from mild stiffness to severe pain. Home treatment usually works fine for the mild variety, but severe stiffness and chronic pain may be better treated by a professional. Below are a few commonly used methods to get rid of a stiff neck.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Treat your neck at home

1. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever. Possible options are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
   • Anti-inflammatories like this one reduce swelling and can eventually relieve pain.
   • Before you start on this medication, it is important that you check whether any medications you are already taking do not combine well with the painkillers and can cause side effects. In addition, it is important that you do not have any health problems that prevent you from using this medication. For example, someone with an ulcer should avoid aspirin.
   • Know that these over-the-counter pain relievers provide only temporary relief. This may give you the feeling that everything is okay for a moment, but that makes the situation worse because you are overloading the muscles.
2. About the use of TENS. In Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), electrodes are placed close to the skin and a small electrical pulse is sent through the electrodes to relieve pain in those areas.
   • Clinical evidence is emerging that TENS can help - with the right frequency and intensity - for various forms of pain.
   • Although TENS devices are available for purchase for personal use, it is recommended that you still have treatment through a doctor for best results.

Warnings

• If the pain in your neck prevents you from bringing your chin to your chest, seek immediate medical attention. Stiffness in this severe form is a sign of meningitis.
• Contact your doctor if symptoms do not respond to treatment within a week, if the stiffness is caused by an injury, if the pain prevents you from sleeping or swallowing, or if it is accompanied by numbness or weakness in your arms

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Necessities

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cold and warm packs
• Scarf, turtleneck or neck pillow
• Prescribed pain relievers or injections (optional)