Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities.
The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it.
Causes of stiff neck
Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain:
Other medical conditions like arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and osteoporosis also cause neck pain.
Treatment for stiff neck
When considering how to cure neck pain, it is important to note that the cure depends on the severity and cause of neck pain. Those suffering from persistent neck pain caused by permanent damage to ligaments or tendons, or arthritis or osteoporosis can only get temporary relief from the pain. A complete cure is only possible for conditions where only a temporary, reversible damage has occurred. Irrespective of the treatment methods followed, proper diagnosis and consultation with a licensed practitioner are mandatory.
These days a lot of information is available on how to cure neck pain. Treatment for neck pain or stiff neck can be provided through medication, physical therapy or home remedies. Let us now visit each treatment method:
How to cure neck pain naturally?
Mild to moderate neck pain can be cured through simple home remedies. Ice and heat therapy is a common treatment for mild neck pain caused by stretching of a muscle or minor injuries. Alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic treatment are also effective for easing out neck pain.
Owing to the stressful and mechanical lifestyle these days, one is constantly worried about how to cure neck pain. Mild to moderate neck pain can be cured with simple home remedies supported by adequate rest, but if the pain is persistent and associated with other symptoms, it is better to seek medical help.