I’m so Glad I Learned This Trick! Learn How to STOP Suffering from a Stiff Neck

Neck pain is quite variable, with some people experiencing stiffness and some people being stuck with severe pain.  It may spread to the shoulders, upper back and arms, even causing headaches in some cases. Moreover, the neck movements may also be limited, usually more to one side than the other.

Neck pain is an umbrella term for pain anywhere from the area at the base of the skull into the shoulders.

The neck includes:

• The bones and joints of the cervical spine (vertebrae of the neck).
• The discs that separate the cervical vertebrae and absorb shock as you move.
• The muscles and ligaments in the neck that hold the cervical spine together.

Injury to one or more of these areas is the most common cause of neck pain, although there are many different causes. For instance, a strain or spasm of the neck muscles as well as inflammation of the neck joints may cause neck pain.

Below you have a list of some of the most common activities which may cause neck pain:

• Work or exercise which requires the use of your upper body and arms
• Tension makes the muscles feel tight and painful, especially those that run from the back of the head across the back of the shoulder
• Sleeping on a too high or too flat pillow which doesn’t support the head
• Sleeping on the stomach, with your neck twisted/ bent
• Spending a lot of time in the “thinker`s pose” ( resting the forehead on the upright fist or arm)
• Holding the hand in odd position while reading, working, or watching TV

More Serious Causes of Neck Pain

The  neck pain is likely to be caused by some more serious condition, especially if accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss
• Problems walking
• High temperature ( fever)
• A lack of coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

As prevention is always better than the cure, here are a few tips on how to prevent neck pain and stiffness:

• Aim at having a good posture ( read about posture tips for PC and tablet users, how to sit properly, and common posture mistakes)
• Make sure you take frequent breaks from driving, sitting at your desk, or from any other activity in which the neck is held in inappropriate position
• In case you often feel stressed,  try out some relaxation methods to alleviate the tension in the neck
• Use relatively firm mattress
• Avoid sleeping on your front

The 90-Second Relief Technique for a Stiff Neck below presents great stretches which will help you alleviate pain in no time.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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Relieve a painful stiff neck in 60 seconds with this easy technique

Do you often experience soreness in the neck? Do you find it difficult to move the head from side-to-side? Stiff neck is typically caused by muscle strain in the back and the side of the neck. This strain might result from a sport injury, stress, poor posture, or sleeping in improper position.

Although quite painful, stick neck is harmless in most cases. But, if accompanied by a high fever, it seeks immediate medical attention since the combination of these symptoms indicates dangerous bacterial infection known as meningitis.

Here are some of the top home remedies for a stiff neck:

1. Stretch

Experts recommend a stretching routine which can be done at the desk or in the car. Start by rolling the shoulders backwards and downwards ten times. Then, squeeze the shoulder blades together ten times. Cup the hands behind the head, push the head back into the hands, and hold for thirty seconds.  Dip the head side to side, reaching the ear to your shoulder. Do ten repetitions on each side.

2. Sleep on your back or your side

Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended for those suffering from stiff neck, as it removes the support from the lower back and strains the neck instead. If you suspect that your sleeping position might be the cause of your problem, start sleeping on the back or on the side. In case the pain persists, consult your doctor and consider getting a special neck pillow.

3. Castor oil massage

Castor oil massage is often recommended as an effective remedy for pain relief.  Heat the castor oil and rub it in the neck muscles. Ask a friend or your loved one to massage the oil into the muscles surrounding the upper spine.

4. Myofascial stretch

Start by extending the body and dropping the chin to your chest. Put clasped hands/ towel at the base of the neck and stretch the neck, shoulder, and back muscles using the weight of your arms. Hold for a few minutes! The longer the stretch, the deeper the release.

5. 60-second self-massage

The eminent physical therapist Allyn Kakuk explains how to alleviate a stiff neck by a muscle cramp but using the hands only. Find the affected spot first. If it is on the right side of your neck, push the knot with the fingers of the left hand. Turn the head in the direction that is opposite of the cramp, and bend (as if trying to touch the armpit using the chin). Repeat twenty times for a total of a minute.

6. Cinnamon and turmeric tea

According to Mind Body Green, this remedy is extremely effective in reducing inflammation and releasing muscle tension.

7. Chamomile tea press

Slightly heat a few damp chamomile tea bags to utilize them as a warm compress to alleviate stiff neck. The best and simplest way to do this is to wrap the tea bags in a pillow case and press the material into the affected muscle.

8. Fresh horseradish or mustard oil

Ultimately, the heat from fresh horseradish or mustard oil is extremely effective in reducing muscle stiffness. To prevent burning or numbness, don’t leave them on the muscles for more than a few minutes.


source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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