Any good home remedies a sore neck?

[emmapeters93]

Hi! I'm traveling tomorrow so I don't have time to see a doctor, and I was hoping someone could help me with some ideas on how to cure my neck soreness at home. I know what caused it, and it's a little embarassing. Yesterday I fell asleep on my couch, and I was sitting upright so I wasn't resting my head. I was exhausted and I woke up somehow with my head tilted WAY back (and yes, my mouth wide open) after about two hours. Yikes! I'm in a lot of pain. Can anyone help me?

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome. Don't be embarrassed - I'm guessing that's happened to all of us at one time or another. At least I know it's happened to me.

You probably use some type of NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
when you have pain if not contact your pharmacist for a suggestion. They are the experts in medication and they are free - also ask him how much and how often you can take the drug. Take that NSAID regularly to reduce the inflammation.

Ice to the area will also help reduce the inflammation - heat will make it feel better but may increase the inflammation so wait for at least 24hrs. Try not to make the motion that increases your pain. When you can rest it and support your neck - thus resting the muscles, possibly ligaments or tendons
also that you most likely strained.

You may use a heat rub that should help it feel better - but don't apply heat when you have the heat rub on.  

A gentle massage can help too, emphasis on gentle. Neck strains heal relatively quickly but don't expect it to happen over night - 2-3 days at most. If it continues longer than that or intensifies than please consult your medical provider.

I wish you the best and hope you'll keep in touch. Please let us know how you are doing. I hope something I have said helps.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[jemma116]

Take pain relief medication as directed on the packet.

If you have a heat pack use that, if not and you have a hot water bottle, fill that up and cover it with a towel and put that on around the neck area that is sore and stiff.

Keep away from any draughts.  Draughts are caused when there are apertures open at opposite directions.  Don't have all the windows or the opposite windows open in the car.  Don't have a window open that has wind blowing on your neck either.

Wear a scarf to keep your neck warm.

On your travels you may find a pharmacy or store where you can purchase a local analgesic cream to apply to the sore area of your neck, base of the neck and shoulders.   The pharmacist will be able to assist you.  
These alternatives are good options if you have an intolerance to pain relief medications and they also are applied to the area where the problem is rather than getting into your system through the stomach like when taken pills.