Neck and shoulder pain are literally a pain in the neck! Most of us have experience dealing with them especially if we’re in stressful situations or do a lot of physical labor. There are people who prefer using over-the-counter pain medications to help ease the pain. However, studies show that prolonged use of OTC pain meds like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause analgesic nephropathy, a type of chronic kidney problem.
Use Warm Compress
One of the easiest and best ways to get rid of neck pain and shoulder pain is to apply a warm compress to the area. The heat helps to speed up healing and relaxing your muscles. It works by speeding up blood flow to the area and delivery of oxygen and other necessary nutrients. The warmth also releases muscle tension helping to relax tightly wound muscles.
You can take a hot water bottle and press it on the neck or shoulder. Just make sure that it’s still water tight in order to prevent accidents. We recommend using a heating pad or a rechargeable hot water bottle that you can buy online. Best of all, no water spillage!
Indulge in Essential Oil Massage
In our opinion, indulging in essential oil massage is one of the most relaxing and easiest ways to get rid of neck and shoulder pain. You can ask your masseur to use an essential oil like coconut or lavender so that you can enjoy some aromatherapy too.
The gentle kneading motion of a massage releases tight muscles helping to relax your neck or shoulder. This gets rid of the pain naturally without resorting to taking OTC pain meds.
If a masseur is not available, you can use a TENS machine to relieve neck pain and shoulder pain naturally. This machine works by sending electrical signals through your skin to start your body’s natural pain medicine called endorphins. It reduces pain naturally so that you feel better after a few minutes of use.
Epsom Salt Baths
An Epsom salt bath is not only a perfect way to unwind, but it can also relax tense and painful muscles in the body, including your neck and shoulders. When dissolved in the bath, epsom salt breaks down and becomes magnesium sulfate. This mineral is absorbed in the skin and can relax tense muscles, reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Stay Hydrated
In our experience, staying hydrated can also relieve neck and shoulder pain naturally. Keeping hydrated keeps your muscles and cartilages soft and pliable.
The amount of water you need everyday varies from person to person, where you live and the amount of physical activity you engage in. However, as a general rule of thumb, six or eight 250ml glasses of water per day.
Gentle Neck Stretches
Physiotherapists often prescribe exercising, including stretching as a natural way to relieve pain. Stretching strengthens muscles which in turn relieves pain. It also minimizes spasms and stiffness, helping you to avoid pain in the future.
In our experience, it is best to stretch your neck or shoulders slowly. You should stop immediately if you feel any pain in the area. You can roll your neck or turn it from side to side or you can lift up your arms over your head to stretch slowly. You should consider asking a professional for personalized stretching exercises to avoid injury or if stretching is painful.
Perfect Posture
Our mothers have long been telling us to sit up properly and not to slouch when standing up. And they’re right because bad posture can lead to muscle pain. Bad posture contorts the muscles into uncomfortable positions. This causes tension and pain.
So, listen to mom and sit up properly. Tuck your stomach in and stick your chest out. When sitting, make sure that your feet are touching the ground and your back is straight. Avoid sitting for long periods and take walks periodically to stretch your muscles.
The Power of Ice
Whenever your neck or shoulders are painful despite the warm compress, consider switching to a cold one. Ice can reduce swelling and numb the painful area. The ice works by constricting blood vessels and decreasing circulation area.
Just remember to ease off application when you start feeling prickly. Ice use should also be limited to 20 minutes at a time to avoid further injury.
Turmeric Tea Time
Speaking of inflammation, drinking turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation in the body. We recommend using a teaspoon of turmeric powder to hot water. Add in some honey to taste and sip to enjoy the benefits of turmeric tea.
Stay Active and Exercise
You might think that staying active and to keep exercising is counterintuitive, but gentle exercises can alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
In our experience, it’s best to stick to low-impact activities like stretching, swimming and yoga to keep your muscles limber and reduce stiffness.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Lastly, never underestimate the power of relaxation and mindfulness. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga nidra to reduce stress. These forms of exercise relaxes both the mind and muscles so that you can release tension and pain.
Always remember that the mind is a very powerful tool. The thoughts that we think are manifested in our bodies and if we meditate about relaxation and rest, it will manifest in our bodies.
Bottom Line
Our tips for addressing neck and shoulder pain are all natural and provide relief and promote wellbeing. Using one or a combination of these home remedies can help manage your pain and prevent discomfort.
Always remember that severe or persistent pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. These home remedies complement medical advice and can serve as preventive measures or supplementary support.
