Taking some over the counter painkillers is usually the standby neck ache remedy, but this is only a short-term fix and should not be the sole treatment for a neck ache. The first step you should take in coming up with an effective neck ache remedy is to figure out what is causing the neck ache in the first place. It could be due to poor posture, overuse, an injury, or even stress, so you will need to examine your daily habits, routines, and so on to find out what is leading to the pain.
A temporary neck ache remedy is rest, and when you feel pain in your neck, you should make every effort to lie down or otherwise sit in a position that allows the neck to relax. Ergonomic chairs can help prevent neck aches and support the neck should a neck ache arise, so if you sit at a desk or look at a computer regularly, consider investing in an ergonomic chair. Take a look at how your desk is set up, as well. Moving your computer monitor so it is positioned directly in front of you and raised off the desk so the neck does not strain as the head looks up or down can be a neck ache remedy in itself.
Repetitive movements can lead to muscle aches in the neck. Try to figure out what motion is aggravating your neck muscles and modify those behaviors in the future to avoid future neck aches. If a neck ache does arise due to muscle tension, consider using the RICE treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These actions will help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the muscles, thereby promoting healing and reducing pain. Be sure to rest the muscles for several hours or even days to make the most of this neck ache remedy.
If the neck ache persists for several days or weeks regardless of the types of treatments you attempt, you should see a doctor. This condition may be caused by an injury to the muscles or bones that may require a more aggressive treatment. Fractures in the bones of the neck or shoulders can lead to a constant neck ache, and such fractures may need more aggressive treatment than simple rest. Muscle strains can usually be treated with the RICE treatment, but if the muscle ruptures, leading to intense pain, a surgical treatment may be necessary.
