How To Treat Neck Pain?

The relaxing properties of some natural ingredients could help us relieve the symptoms of neck pain. However, you should consult a specialist if the pain persists for more than two days.

Most people use pain relievers and relaxants to treat neck pain without visiting a doctor first. However, the ideal is to go to a professional. In addition, you can complement the treatment with some natural remedies that could help relieve the symptoms. Do you want to discover them?

Cervicalgia, as this symptom is also known, usually develops due to a muscle contraction. It is characterized by an uncomfortable feeling of tension and stiffness, which may worsen to the point of limiting the mobility of the head.

While it is not serious and develops occasionally, it is good to know in advance what alternative solutions could help you control it. Therefore, below we want to share some treatments and recommendations that may be useful to you. Don’t stop taking notes!

What are the causes of neck pain?

The neck is made up of a complex structure that is made up of cervical vertebrae, nerves, and muscles. These, in turn, are responsible for protecting the esophagus and larynx. Due to its curved shape, it is more vulnerable to being overloaded. The most common causes of pain are:

• Bad posture
• Keep your head bowed for a long time
• Using the wrong pillow
• Suffer injuries
• Jerky movement spasms
• Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis

How to treat neck pain with natural remedies

The relaxing properties of some plants and natural ingredients can help treat neck pain by relieving symptoms. Although they are not pain treatments, their application would promote circulation and help reduce tension. Of course, we recommend you go to the doctor to receive medication if you need it.

Lettuce, orange and honey treatment

The ingredients that we combine in this home remedy help treat neck pain in the case of torticollis or stress tension. On the one hand, lettuce provides polyphenols (although their concentration is higher in the seeds than in the leaves), substances that, according to different studies, would induce relaxation and help improve the quality of sleep.

On the other hand, the orange is known for its supposed anti-inflammatory effects. Research from 2013 found a possible link between orange juice intake and decreased inflammation. However, further studies are needed in this regard.

Finally, we include honey due to its known anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, the combination of these three elements could help you improve neck pain.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh lettuce leaves
• 2 tablespoons of honey (30 g)
• 3 orange peels
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• Add all the ingredients to a pot and boil for 20 minutes.

• After this time, filter the liquid with a strainer.

How to use

• Pour the preparation into a bathtub and regulate the temperature with a little cold water.
• Take an immersion bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

Chamomile treatment

Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties may also minimize neck pain. In fact, a study carried out in the United States suggests that “chamomile works through a mechanism of action similar to that attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.”

In this case, we propose its application by means of hot compresses to act directly on the affected area. Be careful not to use the preparation too hot on the skin.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of chamomile (45 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• Add the chamomile to a pot with two cups of water.
• Bring the drink to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Finally, filter it with a strainer and let it rest.

How to use

• Before the preparation cools, apply it on the neck with the help of a cloth or towel.
• Let it act for about 10 minutes and, if necessary, repeat its use 2 times a day.

Arnica tincture treatment

Arnica tincture is a natural product that has been used since ancient times as a natural supplement against inflammation and bumps. Due to its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, we propose to use it as an ally to treat neck pain. 

Ingredients

• 10 drops of arnica tincture
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the cups of water.
• Next, dissolve the arnica tincture.

How to use

• Dip a cloth in the preparation and apply it on the neck.
• If you want, massage for 3 to 5 minutes.

Camphor and garlic treatment

Different investigations have found that both garlic and onion have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We include garlic since its organosulfur compounds would prevent the formation of pro-inflammatory messengers.

As for camphor, a small study from 2015 analyzed a compound containing this ingredient and concluded that its use would be effective in improving pain of medium intensity. However, further research is needed in this regard.

Although this remedy does not have the most pleasant aroma, its anti-inflammatory properties may be able to give good results against pain in the cervical area. It is recommended in cases of spasms, stiff neck or pain from sudden movements.

Ingredients

• 1 camphor bar (20 g)
• ½ head garlic

Preparation

• Crush the camphor bar and mix it with half a head of crushed garlic.

How to use

• Massage the neck with the preparation, up to 2 times a day.

Other recommendations for treating neck pain

We remind you that natural remedies can be a complement to the treatment indicated by the specialist doctor. In no way do these treatments replace the specific medication or treatment recommended by a professional. In general, we can advise you that in addition:

• Do therapeutic exercises up to 2 times a day. It is not necessary to make sudden and prolonged movements. It is enough to gently rotate the head and neck to all sides.
• Avoid spending prolonged time in front of the computer or mobile devices.
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga exercises.
• Get into a good sleeping position and choose an appropriate pillow.
• Avoid carrying too heavy backpacks.