Sooner or later, we all experience the familiar sore neck muscles. Whether it’s hunching over your phone, awkwardly lifting something, or napping in an odd position, neck pain seems to bother everyone eventually. While time usually heals muscle soreness, there are a number of techniques that can help relieve discomfort.
Choosing the right topical pain reliever to enhance the effectiveness of your massage
When neck pain becomes severe enough, you will undoubtedly find yourself in need of some kind of pain relief medication. Consider using a topical cream that is absorbed by the skin and delivers active ingredients directly to the neck muscles that need it most. Examples of effective active ingredients include:
- CBD – CBD helps with neck pain in many ways, starting with its ability to relax muscles and release tension. Research also shows that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and long-term discomfort. However, its main advantage is that it provides analgesic effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, thereby affecting the body’s interpretation of pain. Click here to see examples of topical CBD products for neck pain.
- Capsaicin – Capsaicin is effective for neck pain because it blocks pain signals from reaching the brain and helps reduce inflammation. This dual action also soothes sore muscles and is often described as providing a pleasant, warming sensation.
- Menthol – Menthol can help relieve neck soreness as it has refreshing, cooling properties that help relieve pain and relieve inflammation. This sensation tricks your brain into reducing the sensation of pain while increasing blood flow to the area and helping tense muscles relax.
- Eucalyptus oil – This vegetable oil has natural cooling and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve muscle soreness. While eucalyptus oil is a surprisingly common ingredient in topical pain treatments, it can also be inhaled on its own to soothe the mind and body, as explored in Understanding the Benefits of Essential Oils.
Typically, topical pain creams combine multiple active ingredients to provide comprehensive pain relief. When evaluating your options, don’t just look at the front labels; look at the front labels, too. Also evaluate the details that manufacturers should disclose about the amounts of these ingredients used.
Apply hot and cold compresses to neck muscles
Applying hot and cold compresses to sore neck muscles can help relieve pain and inflammation in different ways. Cold compresses can reduce inflammation and numb the area to reduce pain, while hot compresses can relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, promoting faster healing. Using both can provide comprehensive relief by addressing swelling and muscle tension.
Maintain correct posture while awake and sleeping
Not surprisingly, maintaining good posture is key to avoiding neck pain. However, many of us naturally lower our heads when performing tasks such as looking at our phones for extended periods of time or working in front of a computer. For more details on how to apply ergonomic principles to your daily life, check out Are You Sit Well?
Your sleeping position can also affect neck pain. Lying on your stomach can strain your neck, so it’s best to lie on your back or side to keep everything aligned. A supportive pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position can significantly reduce discomfort.
Stretch carefully
Stretching can help relieve neck soreness by relaxing tight muscles and improving blood flow to the affected area. Gentle stretches can also increase flexibility and reduce tension, helping with overall relief. However, it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself, as overworking your neck muscles may lead to further injury or discomfort. For a first-hand demonstration of neck-friendly stretches, watch this video from physical therapist Dr. Joe.
Consider acupuncture
Not everyone likes the idea of having tiny needles placed on the body. However, acupuncture may be just the solution you’re craving for your sore neck muscles.
As WTHN explains, “Acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted into the skin to release trigger points. The acupuncturist finds the center of the knotted muscle fibers and then gently places the stainless steel needle into the affected area, which causes the muscle to involuntarily This contraction then begins a chain of events in which the body’s own healing mechanisms respond, opening up blood vessels to increase blood flow and releasing endorphins to help the muscles relax (also allow the muscles to relax). mind relaxed).
IMPORTANT—If neck pain persists, tell your doctor
If your neck does not improve after 2-3 weeks of rest and the above measures, it may be time to consult a trained medical professional. They can help rule out any underlying conditions and recommend specialized care, such as physical therapy sessions or consultation with a spine specialist.
