What to Do When a Stiff Neck Is Serious
The human body can be regarded as a well-oiled machine. You can maintain a healthy body with the right amount of exercise and having a proper diet. Despite your best efforts, you may still feel under the weather from time to time. As you age or become ill, you may realize that you are not as impervious as you once thought.
Falling ill can result in many symptoms, broad in their severity. Some may just have aches and pains that dissipate over time. Others may have more severe cases, such as having a terrible stiff neck. A stiff neck is a common problem among many people, ranging from mild symptoms to severe pain. Although the discomfort in your neck may go away on its own, there are times when the condition is more dire.
Do you know what to do when a stiff neck is serious? Here are some treatments for a stiff neck:
1. Keep moving your neck
Unless you simply cannot move your neck, it is always recommended to keep moving your body. Try your best to move your neck from side to side, using a full range of motion. Moreover, you should do all that you can to prevent your neck from staying stationary over the day.
That is because you need to ensure that blood keeps moving at a steady rate. Stiff necks may be extremely painful, but even the most minimal amounts of movement can go a long way. Move your neck up and down as well, and you should be put on the best path to overall recovery!
2. Heat compress
Even though general movement can go a long way, there are many awesome tools to make good use of for recovery. One of the most go-to options comes in the form of a heat compress, which works wonders for stiff necks. Grab a water compress, and fill it with hot water. Cap it at the top and gently apply it to all parts of your neck.
Heat opens up avenues in the neck that may have worsened due to the symptoms experienced. When applying the heat compress, make sure to avoid areas on the skin that can exacerbate heat exposure. Should this be the case for you, cover the neck with a towel and then apply the compress.
3. Ice compress
Ice compresses are next in line for overall efficacy if heat is one of the top tools for stiff neck remedies. Ice is used by several individuals who experience aches and pains throughout the body. The same process you used with the heat compress applies here; apply the ice compress for a few seconds, remove it, and repeat.
4. Massages for stiff neck
Massages help with a stiff neck. If you can, take the tips of your fingers and gently massage all areas of your neck throughout the day. This helps keep blood flow moving normally to reduce stiffness. In the long term, you will benefit from seeking professional massage therapy Toronto services. Massage therapy will help treat your stiff neck, alleviating the discomfort.
5. Stiff neck stretches
Movement is one of the most important methods in your toolkit for stiff neck pain. However, you can certainly take this up a few notches by employing a couple of stretches for the neck. The first stretch involves moving your neck, if possible, all the way to your left side. Hold this position and repeat the same motion on the right side.
Another awesome neck stretch to use comes via tilting your head to the left side and then to the right side. These motions are similar but aid the neck in recovery in different ways. Once you hold each stretch for a few seconds, you should feel some relief for the short term.
5. Bedding for stiff neck
Stiff necks normally do not go away within hours, as it is a painful experience that sometimes lasts for days. To stay on the safe side of things, and ensure you have a good recovery, take a look at your bedding. Your pillow and mattress have more of an effect on your neck than you would realize!
For instance, your mattress composition should be as firm as possible. Stiff necks can also benefit from special types of neck pillows, which aid the natural rest position of the neck itself. Ensure that you get enough rest, which goes long for overall recovery.
6. Medicinal treatments for stiff neck
Over-the-counter medicine also plays a large role in preventing the stiffness from turning into pain. Your usual suspects, such as Tylenol, will help you in the recommended dosages. Should you require something stronger, speak to your medical expert for the next steps.
7. Emergencies
If all else fails and your neck stiffness refuses to go away, do not hesitate to call the emergency for help. The last thing you need is the airway in your throat being blocked due to unknown sources of pain. Be mindful of how you feel, and take the appropriate measures!
