How to quickly recover from a stiff neck and neck pain

Generally, for neck pain caused by a stiff neck, methods such as applying heat, massage,适度 neck movement, medication, and cervical traction can help achieve a quick recovery. Details are as follows:

1. Applying Heat: Stiff neck is usually caused by improper sleeping posture or exposure of the neck to cold, leading to tension and spasm of neck muscles. Heat application can improve blood circulation in the neck area, relax muscles, and relieve pain. Heat causes local blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood supply, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tense muscles, while removing metabolic waste.

2. Massage: Massage can directly target tense neck muscles. Manual stimulation can relax muscle fibers and relieve muscle spasms. Massage can also stimulate acupoints in the neck area, regulate the circulation of blood and energy (Qi), and alleviate pain. For example, massaging the Fengchi (GB20) acupoint can dispel wind and clear heat, refresh the mind, and relieve neck pain.

3.适度 Neck Movement: Appropriate neck exercises can stretch tense muscles, increase the range of motion in the neck, and relieve muscle stiffness. Slow and rhythmic movements can promote blood circulation in the neck muscles, helping restore the normal elasticity and function of the muscles.

4. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Compound Notoginseng Tablets, Blood Activating and Pain Relieving Plaster, or Luoweitong Capsules can be used. These medications promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen tablets, chlorpheniramine and diclofenac tablets, or paracetamol tablets may also be used as directed by a physician.

5. Cervical Traction: For more severe cases of stiff neck with significant muscle spasms, traction under a doctor's guidance may be considered. Cervical traction can widen the space between vertebrae, reduce pressure from intervertebral discs on nerves and surrounding tissues, stretch tense neck muscles, and relieve muscle spasms.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to use a pillow of moderate firmness, maintain proper sleeping posture, and avoid prolonged exposure of the neck to cold.适当 cervical spine exercises can help strengthen neck muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the likelihood of developing a stiff neck. It is important to improve lifestyle habits and sleep environment, avoid prolonged periods of working with the head down or using mobile devices, and take breaks every half hour to move the neck and shoulders, relieving muscle tension.