What to do about a stiff neck

　　In general, a stiff neck can be treated with methods such as applying heat, massage, moderate neck exercises, adjusting pillow height and sleeping posture, and using medications. Specific details are as follows:

　　1. Heat application: Applying heat can promote blood circulation in the neck area and help relax tense muscles. Stiff neck is usually caused by improper sleeping posture or exposure of the neck to cold, resulting in neck muscle spasms. A hot water bag, hot towel, or heat patch can be used for heat application. If using a hot water bag, fill it with water at a temperature of 50–60°C, wrap it in a towel, and place it on the painful area of the neck. Apply heat for 15–20 minutes each time, 3–4 times daily.

　　2. Massage: Massage can help relax the neck muscles and relieve muscle tension and pain. It stimulates the meridians and acupoints in the neck, regulates blood and qi circulation, and alleviates discomfort caused by a stiff neck. First, warm the hands by rubbing them together, then use the heel of the palm to massage from behind the ears downward along the muscles on both sides of the neck, continuing all the way to the shoulders. Repeat this motion 10–15 times.

　　3. Moderate neck movement: Appropriate neck exercises can help relax stiff muscles and increase the range of motion in the neck. Performing slow, gentle movements can stretch the neck muscles and relieve pain and tension. Keep the body upright, slowly turn the head to the left until reaching the maximum comfortable range, feeling the stretch on the right side of the neck, hold for 3–5 seconds, then turn to the right side and hold for 3–5 seconds. Repeat this 10–15 times.

　　4. Adjust pillow height and sleeping posture: Improper pillow height and sleeping posture are common causes of a stiff neck. A suitable pillow can maintain the normal physiological curvature of the cervical spine, and a good sleeping posture can prevent excessive stretching or twisting of the neck muscles. Try to maintain a supine (on the back) or lateral (on the side) sleeping posture, and avoid sleeping on the stomach.

　　5. Use of medications: Medications can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by a stiff neck. Under a doctor's guidance, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, or etoricoxib tablets can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine plasters such as analgesic plasters for sprains and strains, orthopedic pain-relieving plasters, or blood circulation-promoting and pain-relieving plasters may be used as directed by a physician, as they have functions of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and relaxing muscles to relieve pain.

　　If symptoms of a stiff neck persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly to receive a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.