Bad posture, injury and improper sleeping position are all causes of neck pain. Neck pain can be rather uncomfortable, but if you're experiencing neck pain, there is an array of possible solutions to provide temporary or more long-term relief. Each treatment's effectiveness depends upon the particular cause of your neck pain.

Neck Pain Relief

One of the easiest ways to eliminate neck pain is stretching or changing your position. Simply resting your neck can ease some pain; lie down for a bit if you feel your neck has too much strain. Stretching your neck can relieve pain that may be caused due to sleeping at an odd angle or sitting for extended periods of time. One exercise involves slowly tilting your head to one side, holding your head in this position for 30 seconds and then slowly leaning your head to the other side. Try moving your head in several different directions to work out any tension that could be the cause of your pain. You may want to consult a physical therapist. Try a neck lengthening exercise if you have been sitting too long or have a slumping posture. Roll up a bath towel and place it on the floor, then lie down on your back so that the towel is positioned horizontally across the back of your neck. Stay in this position for about five minutes, and it should relieve some tension. Massages also can loosen tight shoulder muscles that may be causing pain. You can try a neck massage at home by gently kneading your neck and shoulder, or have someone do it for you. You can use your hands or purchase a massager. Booking a massage with a professional masseuse may be a good idea to prevent the possibility of accidentally injuring your neck with home massage. Over-the-counter medications and creams can help with neck pain as well. Taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin can relieve some of the pain if it isn't too serious. You also may want to buy pain creams containing menthol or camphor. Rub these creams into your neck and shoulders and allow them to penetrate. Applying heat or cold can help as well. Use a heating pad on your neck, or wet a towel with hot water, wring it out, and place the towel around your neck close to where the pain is located. Alternate the heat with an ice pack or cool shower. Sometimes, your neck pain is too severe for home treatments and you may need to see a doctor. Your doctor can decide what kind of treatment is needed. You may receive injections of medications to help your neck feel better, or the doctor may prescribe strong painkillers. He may recommend a soft collar to wear your neck to temporarily immobilize it. He also may try transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, placing electrodes on your neck and sending small electrical impulses to try and relieve pain. Traction or an ultrasound are other options. With traction, you would be placed in a bed and immobilized in order to try stretching muscles to relieve pain. An ultrasound will attempt to increase blood circulation for pain relief. Usually, neck pain does not require surgery, but it can be used in some cases as a last resort.

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Neck Pain Treatments and Drugs

Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage

Physical Therapy to Relieve Neck Pain