Try these natural home remedies for neck pain
What's the story
Neck pain is a common issue today as we sit in front of our laptops for long hours in the office or stay glued to our mobile phones while lying down. Bad postures, stress, and poor sleeping positions are the major causes of neck stiffness and pain. Here are five natural and home remedies that can help relieve your neck pain.
Compresses
Apply a cold or hot compress
If you want to get quick relief from neck pain, a hot or cold compress can help by relaxing your muscles and stimulating blood flow in the neck, thereby numbing the pain. You can apply heating pads or ice packs on the affected area for 20 minutes. Heat can relax stiff muscles while ice reduces inflammation. Repeat this twice or thrice a day.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Use apple cider vinegar
Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for soothing neck and muscle pain and tension. It also helps improve symptoms of arthritis, swelling, and inflammation. Soak a soft napkin or tissue in some apple cider vinegar and place it on the neck. Let the napkin stay there for an hour. Repeat twice a day.
Natural muscle relaxant
Epsom salt bath
Loaded with anti-inflammatory benefits from sulfate and magnesium, Epsom salt acts as a natural muscle relaxant and helps in reducing pain and swelling. Add one to two cups of Epsom salt to lukewarm water and soak your body, especially the neck area in it for 15-20 minutes at least once a day. The warm water bath will soothe your stiff muscles and reduce inflammation.
Soothing aroma
Use essential oils
The soothing aroma of essential oils can help relax tight and sore muscles and give relief from any pain and inflammation. It will also help calm your mind after a long tiring day and reduce stress and anxiety. Mix peppermint essential oil with lavender oil, warm olive oil, and basil oil. Massage this on your aching neck for a few minutes to get relief.
Medicinal properties
Use ginger oil
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, medicinal, and antiseptic properties that help reduce neck and back pain. It also helps reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. You can drink two to three cups of ginger tea infused with honey daily to reduce pain and inflammation. You can also rub ginger oil on the aching neck at least two-three times every day to soothe the area.