Your neck contains muscles, ligaments, tendones, and bones. These parts work together as a support for the head and allow the body to move in different directions.

However, if the neck is overused, it might result in a stiff or painful sensation. This condition mostly occurs when one of the muscles becomes strained or tense.

Getting into an incident or minor injury can result in a stiff neck. Since the neck contains several cervical vertebrae that surround the spinal cord and canal.

Any problem or disease associated with the spine may also affect the neck. Thus, a stiff neck may arise as a result of disorders or diseases of any part in the neck.

In other cases, people often experience whiplash during car accidents that cause the head to suddenly jerk forward and backward.

Whiplash — is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, bones, or nerves in the neck which causes stiffness in the neck.

A stiff neck can last for a few days or even weeks, however, this usually heals easily on its own.

As simple as sleeping with a wrong position and bad posture can cause a stiff neck. This condition as previously stated, can arise as a result of several disorders in the neck.

A stiff neck comes ng with. few symptoms such as: a headache, shoulder pain, and stiffness in the shoulder.

This condition may be annoying as it is painful and can interfere with your daily activities, as well as your ability to have a proper good night’s sleep.

According to a source, the number of stiff neck cases has been increasing because of man’s relationship with technology.

A simple example would be looking down at your phone for long periods of time. This may cause a stiff neck due to the hunched position whenever you're looking down at something for a long time.

Other causes that are associated with stiff neck are poor posture, stress, osteoarthritis, clenched jaw, neck or spinal injury.

This is still not a case for an emergency, as it can be treated at home or is manageable.

Even though stiff necks are a pain in the ass, it is usually not a cause for panic. However, in rare cases, it can signal the need for a medical consultation.

There are red flags when it comes to stiff neck symptoms. These include: Fever which is due to an infection, fatigue or unexplained drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, headache, mood swings, dizziness, or weight loss.

One of the most common serious conditions for a stiff neck is meningitis — which is a bacterial infection that causes the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord to be inflamed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fever, headache, and stiff neck, are typically early symptoms for bacterial meningitis.

Symptoms of meningitis usually develop within a few days after exposure, and will gradually worsen the individual's condition rapidly.

Getting delayed treatment could result in negative effects such hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.

There are actually a few natural remedies for stiff neck without taking any medication. These include:

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Apply Ice

By applying ice for 20 minutes several times in a day, may help relieve neck inflammation.

As ice is known to produce a cooling effect, applying it directly on the affected area can give a temporary relief.

If your neck and shoulders feel tender or are swelling, a cold compress can help reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels.

An icepack on the neck can also numb and relax irritated nerve endings.

Celery

This vegetable has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

As research shows, consuming celery seed extract can act as an analgesic (pain relief) and inflammatory agent.

Additionally, this also gives several health benefits. This is a great way to alleviate pain and stiffness.

Stretching

This simple activity can actually help alleviate the pain and stiffness. Thus, it’s significant to stretch gently and slowly without doing any sudden movements as it can cause a strain.

Sudden movements may cause more inflammation and pain. A simple stretching exercise is, rolling your shoulders backward and forward in a circle.

Additionally, i'm the case of stiff necks, slowly turning your head from side to side can help alleviate pain.

Regular Exercise

Adding exercise into your routine can greatly benefit not only your stiff neck but also your overall health.

This can help you improve your posture to relieve and prevent neck stiffness.

It’s also a great way in strengthening your muscles for preventing injuries

Turmeric

This is a popular ingredient in indian and middle eastern cuisines. It is a magical herb containing anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and inflammation, along with boosting the healing process from within.

This spice contains a component called curcumin which aids in alleviating swelling and pain. This is also effective in increasing the blood flow. Simply mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with your tea.

Ginger

This is a popular kitchen ingredient, but did you know that it can help aid pain and inflammation?

This is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that improves blood flow and circulation to the neck. You can simply drink instant ginger tea or try it topically.

Chamomile Tea

This is an ancient herb used to treat a variety of ailments.

It contains 36 flavonoids — which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.

This has been known to promote relaxation when consumed as a tea. You can use chamomile as an essential oil for massaging.

Cayenne Pepper

Also known as a “Capsaicin” — a substance in cayenne pepper which works as a natural muscle relaxant, often recommended for people who live with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

This popular ingredient can be consumed as a garnish, powder, or even capsule.

The majority of stiff necks are on the milder side which means that it can easily be treatable at home or with natural remedies. However, if you experience worsened symptoms, these natural remedies might not work.

Additionally, preventing a stiff neck through regular exercise and stretching shall already be added to your routine.