According to the National Institute of Health, the following treatments are available for a stiff neck:
- Rest. This is maybe the most important treatment of all for stiff necks. Withholding from regular activity levels for several days or weeks can help give the neck muscles time to recover.
- Heating pads and/or ice packs. Apply heating pads/ice packs to the affected area of the neck. Ice should be used for the first 2-3 days, and heat should be used following that. Be careful not to leave the ice or heat on the skin for too long, as it may injure you. To be safe, follow a routine of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Physical therapy, which may be as simple as at-home exercises or as extensive as several sessions with a trained therapist. This will help to regain neck mobility and strengthen neck muscles. Consult your doctor about what type of physical therapy is best for you.
- Massage by a licensed masseuse, which helps to loosen muscles and decrease overall levels of pain.
Treatment for neck pain may also be accompanied by pain management, either over-the-counter or by prescription. If taking over-the-counter medication, be sure not to use it consecutively past a few days. This may cause further complications such as liver disease and ulcers. If taking prescription pain killers, be sure to talk to your doctor about the full risk and benefit of each pain killer.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, aspirin-free Excedrin).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or naproxen (Aleve and Naprosyn).
- Topical pain relievers such as:
- Counterirritants, such as menthol and camphor
- Capsaicin
For more information about prescription-strength pain medications, talk to your doctor or visit the thirdAGE Pain Management Condition Center.
