Neck pain is a fairly common occurrence, but fortunately most cases are usually not serious, making at-home remedies very viable options for treatment. The causes are usually something simple like overuse of the neck muscles and strain on the joints.

The pain can also be caused by arthritis and other medical conditions, but unless there are serious issues with the cervical spine, there are plenty of effective neck pain remedies to get relief from pain and stiffness in the neck.

1.            Anti-inflammatory medication – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce the neck pain and any associated inflammation.

2.            Ice – If you have an ice pack, apply it to the painful area of the neck, or wrap ice in a plastic bag and towel. Ice can be one of the most effective home remedies for neck pain caused by an injury. It will also help lessen any swelling there may be.

3.            Heat – One form of therapy involves alternating heat and ice. After about 15 minutes with an ice pack, follow up by applying a heating pad. A hot shower will work if you don’t have a heating pad.

4.            Relaxation techniques – These include deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation and they can be very effective treatments for neck pain since these practices reduce the stress in tension found in the muscles of the neck.

If you have neck pain that still persists after a visit to the doctor and after trying conventional methods to relieve the pain for one to two weeks, it may be time to see a physical therapist. After obtaining a full medical history and performing a thorough physical exam, a physical therapist will design a program specific to that patient.

Typically, treatment from a physical therapist will include heat, ice, massage, stretching, joint mobilization and even ultrasound or electric stimulation. The therapist will also set up a home program, which may consist of some of the same home remedies mentioned above.

Other things a therapist might suggest may not only reduce the current pain but also prevent the injury from occurring again. This includes improving posture or using a cervical pillow or just a towel rolled up and tucked behind the neck to provide support.