How to relieve neck pain

Neck pain may be caused by various factors, such as maintaining poor posture for prolonged periods, muscle tension, or chronic degenerative changes. Below are some methods to alleviate neck pain: 1. **Hot and Cold Compresses**: Initially, you may try cold compresses to reduce inflammation. After 24 hours, switch to hot compresses to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. 2. **Neck Stretching Exercises**: Perform gentle neck movements, such as slowly turning your head from side to side, tilting forward and backward, and gently bending side to side, to help relax the muscles. 3. **Adjust Lifestyle Habits**: Avoid maintaining poor posture for long periods, such as looking down at a phone or computer screen for extended durations. Take regular breaks to move around, and choose appropriate pillows and mattresses to maintain the normal physiological curvature of the cervical spine. 4. **Appropriate Exercise**: Engage in exercises targeting the neck muscles, such as neck stretches or swimming, to strengthen the muscles and improve cervical stability. 5. **Massage and Physical Therapy**: Professional massage or physical therapy can help relieve muscle tension and promote recovery. 6. **Medication**: Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and inflammation. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as numbness or weakness), seek medical attention promptly.