Having a stiff neck is no fun... not only is it painful and interferes with your daily activities, it can get in the way of your ability to get a good night's sleep.

There are more sufferers now especially with the prevalent use of mobile devices and computers, which compel people to crane their necks at awkward angles.

In fact, looking down at your phone, laptop, or other devices is the most common cause of neck strain. This hunched position puts a strain on the muscles and soft tissues of your neck.

Other causes may include:

poor posture

clenched jaw

stress

repetitive neck motion

osteoarthritis

neck or spinal injury

If you are currently suffering from one and would like to get rid of it, check out these tips!

1. Stretch your neck

Move your head in the morning as soon as you wake up. Moving the head gently will increase the blood flow in a particular area and reduce inflammation. First, move it from side to side then up to down.

2. Apply hot or cold compress

Using a hot or a cold compress relaxes your muscles and increases the flow of blood in the neck. That will help to reduce the pain from the strained muscles. Place a hot or cold compress for 10 minutes at a time. Do this at least 2-3 times a day for instant relief. However, if your pain is severe, stick with ice as placing a hot compress will make it worse.

3. Epsom salt

Epsom salt has a lot of magnesium in it which the muscles needs in order to relax. The salt will help to reduce inflammation and improve the blood flow. If you have a bath tub, you can lie in the salt water for 18 minutes or soak a towel and place it on your neck. Never expose your skin to the salt for more than 18 minutes or you will start to get dehydrated.

4. Essential oil

Gently massage your neck with essential oils for immediate relief. Take a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil and mix it with coconut oil. Massage your neck gently for a few minutes.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy to treat a stiff neck. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents present in ACV is known to give relief from stress and muscle pain. Soak a towel with some apple cider vinegar and place it on your neck for an hour. Repeat it at least twice a day.

Source: Times of India

Photo source: Daily Express