Neck Inflammation and Stiffness: Causes, Symptoms, Natural Remedies

Suffering from neck pain is an irritating problem but commonly faced by many people. Neck inflammation and stiffness is caused by varied reasons. Stiff neck is usually characterized by soreness and difficulty in moving the neck. It can also lead to shoulder pain or headache. One of the best ways to get rid of this problem is to try home and natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness.

Here are some of the causes of neck inflammation and stiffness.

• Strain in neck muscles due to sleeping in an awkward position
• Working in an improper posture at work can cause neck inflammation and stiffness
• Another common cause of neck inflammation and stiffness is jerk due to an accident
• Taking stress and tension at home or office
• Not using any support while sleeping or using too many pillows
• Playing a sport or doing an exercise in wrong manner can also cause neck inflammation and stiffness
• A sudden forceful movement of the neck, during travel or when sneezing

Some of the common symptoms associated with neck inflammation and stiffness are mentioned here. It is important to identify the symptoms and take natural remedies for neck inflammation & stiffness.

• Limited or reduction in movement of neck and shoulders can be a symptom of neck inflammation and stiffness
• Pain in upper back, neck or shoulder area
• Feeling discomfort during sleep
• Having muscle spasm in the neck area or upper back is a common symptom of neck inflammation and stiffness.
• Headache, extending from the neck or behind the ears.
• Sometimes, fever may also be noted.

It is important to note that, neck inflammation and stiffness if associated with high fever, vomiting, and severe neck pain, may need immediate medical attention. In any case, it is best to seek medical advice to find the cause of your neck inflammation and stiffness, following, which natural remedies can be planned. Natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness work well for muscle spasm, without much pathology, postural problems and chronic pain due to muscle stiffness.

Neck stiffness and inflammation is always a major concern for most working people. It can be easily triggered and cause more problems in daily activities. There are various kinds of natural remedies available that you can use and apply at home. Some of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness include

Massage is one of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness. For massaging, you can use sesame, almond, olive oil or jojoba oil. Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, pine and juniper can be added to these oils for effective relaxation. It can provide warmth to your neck and improve blood circulation. It is important to apply massage in gentle manner in order to reduce stiffness.

Studies suggest that herbs and spices are the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness that can help relieve discomfort in your body. Herbs like mint, parsley, basil, thyme, etc. have great healing and anti-inflammatory properties in them. Spices like ginger and turmeric powder are anti-inflammatory that can help in reducing neck inflammation. You can even consider trying other type of herbs such as arnica, licorice, devil’s claw and white willow.

Some stretching exercises can help in maintaining a healthy posture. Therapeutic exercises are one of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness. Exercises are best learnt from an expert and must focus on reducing pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. It is important to consult the right physician and doctor who can help you do the exercise in the best possible manner. You can perform some simple exercises that shouldn’t aggravate the neck pain. If you feel uneasy doing any exercise you need to seek medical opinion.

Warm compresses too top the list of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness. Warm compresses can be used in the form of heating pad, moist heated towel or heated sand packs. They can be wrapped in a cloth and placed around your neck area. It aids in increasing your blood flow while it also helps in relieving pain and neck stiffness.

Cold treatment is also one of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness, more useful in acute pain. You can crush ice and wrap it under an ice pad or use an ice pack. You can cover the area or part of your neck with the help of towel or cloth. Ice, relieves inflammation, soreness and swelling and thus helps in relieving stiff neck pain.

Another natural remedy for neck inflammation and stiffness is using Epsom salt while taking bath. Epsom salt is an effective remedy that consists of sulphate and magnesium. It helps in regulating activity in the affected area and helps in increasing blood flow. It also helps in reducing soreness, stress and tension in the impacted area. You can keep your neck under warm shower or take a hot water bath with Epsom salt for around 5 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar is also popular as one of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness. You can soak a dry cloth in apple cider vinegar and place it around neck area. You can leave it for few hours. It can help in relieving pain, reduce inflammation and is an effective remedy for stiff muscles. It is one single application that can give you relief from neck stiffness without much effort.

There are other types of remedies and therapies available that can be equally effective in improving neck pain. Alternative therapies are also considered as some of the best natural remedies for neck inflammation and stiffness. Some of the complementary therapies include acupuncture, magnet therapy, chiropractic therapy, Ayurveda, yoga, homeopathy, aromatherapy and many others. However, these therapies work in different ways, hence seeking treatment from an expert is advised after consulting your physician.

It is important to ensure that before trying natural remedies, you must consider consulting a doctor. You can use various remedies such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatment and massage by obtaining a referral from certified physician before planning to implement such therapies. Avoid using these treatments as a substitute to medical treatment. For serious underlying conditions or more severe neck inflammation and stiffness, medical treatments may be necessary.