What can I do for neck pain to quickly relieve the pain?

Neck pain may be caused by muscle tension, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, or nerve compression. The following are some methods to quickly relieve cervical pain: 1. Rest and posture adjustment: Avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, especially looking down at a phone or computer. Perform neck stretching exercises periodically and maintain good sitting and sleeping posture. 2. Heat and cold therapy: During the initial phase of pain, you may try cold compresses, such as applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the neck for 15-20 minutes, multiple times daily. After 48 hours, switch to heat therapy to help relax muscles and improve blood circulation. 3. Gentle massage and stretching: Gently massage the neck muscles and perform stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders, such as shoulder rotations, lateral neck bends, and neck rotations. 4. Over-the-counter medications: If the pain is severe, short-term use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) may be helpful, but always follow the instructions provided. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as numbness in the arms, blurred vision, or difficulty walking), seek medical attention immediately.