
The fastest way to recover from a stiff neck
Disease description:
I am 26 years old. Yesterday morning after waking up, I noticed significant discomfort on the left side of my neck. The pain becomes severe when I slightly turn my head. I might have a stiff neck. What are the fastest ways to recover from a stiff neck?

Neck strain or stiff neck is usually caused by poor sleeping posture or muscle sprain. The following are some methods for quick relief:
1. Apply Heat: Use a hot water bag or warm towel on the painful area of the neck to help relax tense muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain.
2. Gentle Movement: Slowly and gently rotate your head, first side to side, then forward and backward, avoiding excessive movement that may worsen the pain.
3. Stretching Exercises: Perform some simple neck stretching exercises, such as rolling your shoulders, bringing your chin toward your chest, and tilting your ear toward your shoulder, within the limits of comfort and without causing pain.
4. Pain Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and muscle inflammation. It is recommended to use these under the guidance of a doctor.
If the pain persists or symptoms such as headache or arm numbness occur, seek medical attention promptly.