There is probably not a worse feeling in the world than awakening with a crick in your neck. Neck pain from sleeping has a way of ruining your morning and spoiling your entire day, especially if you perform physical labor at work. You don’t have to endure neck and shoulder pain from sleeping wrong any longer than necessary. Our list of natural and relaxing remedies for neck and shoulder pain relief can get your back into the swing of things using things you already have in your home.
These remedies for neck pain from sleeping are not all inclusive. In cases where an injury or something more severe might have taken place, you need to contact a health care professional.
13 Natural and Relaxing Remedies for Neck Pain from Sleeping
1. Blackstrap Molasses
The first item on our list for how to get rid of neck pain is blackstrap molasses. Calcium and potassium are abundant in blackstrap molasses and are excellent for helping to get rid of the muscle spasm which is causing the pain in your neck. Additionally, a lack of these two minerals could be the true underlying cause of your neck pain from sleeping.
What to do:
- Stir 1 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses into a glass of warm water.
- Drink this mixture a couple of times a day to get rid of the pain.
- You can continue drinking it daily for several weeks to help boost your calcium and potassium levels as well.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a power anti-inflammatory phytochemical on par with ibuprofen. Consuming turmeric can help improve healing through enhanced circulation and get rid of your neck pain from sleeping.
What to do:
- Mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder in 12 oz. of milk in a small sauce pan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, pour into a mug, add little honey and enjoy.
- Drink this several times a day as necessary to relieve pain.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Another stellar performer on our list of remedies for neck pain from sleeping is cayenne pepper. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which will help to get rid of your neck and shoulder pain fast.
What to do:
- Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper powder to 2 Tbsp of warm olive oil.
- Mix it well and then massage the oil into the affected area.
- You can repeat these 2 or 3 times a day as necessary.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another common household item which can help rid you of neck pain from sleeping. As you know, ginger is a first cousin to turmeric and contains gingerol, which helps to improve circulation to the affected area and reduce inflammation.
What to do:
- Slice a piece of ginger root about an inch long into 2 cups of boiling water.
- Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the ginger from the tea, add a little honey and lemon and drink it.
- Drink 2 to 3 cups a day to help get rid of the pain.
- You can also use powdered ginger using the same method of turmeric above.
5. Lavender Oil
Another potent remedy for relieving neck pain from sleeping is lavender oil. Added to a carrier oil for a massage or utilized via diffusion, lavender helps to reduce muscle tension and relax that knot in your neck.
What to do:
- Combine 6 to 8 drops of lavender oil with 1 Tbsp of coconut oil.
- Warm the area with a heat pad or under warm water in a shower.
- Massage the oil mixture into the affected area applying gentle pressure in small circular motions for 10 minutes.
- Repeat as necessary.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Another powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties to help get rid of neck pain from sleeping wrong is apple cider vinegar. The nutrient load in apple cider vinegar will not only reduce the pain and inflammation, but can also make up the mineral deficiencies which are the underlying cause of the problem.
What to do:
- Soak a clean cloth in apple cider vinegar.
- Place the cloth over the affected area.
- Allow it to sit for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Repeat a couple times a day until the pain is gone.
- Additionally, add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to warm bath water and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Also, drink 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water right after you get out of bed to give those minerals a boost and prevent further issues.
7. Epsom Salt
An Epsom salt bath can also relieve neck pain from sleeping. The magnesium sulfate, which makes up Epsom salt, is a natural muscle relaxant that also has anti-inflammatory characteristics to help reduce the pain and swelling, and get rid of that crick.
What to do:
- Add one to 2 cups of Epsom salt into a warm bath.
- Soak your neck area in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat this daily until the pain goes away.
- Additionally, you can mix 1 tsp of coconut oil in 1 Tbsp of Epsom salt to create a gritty paste. Add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil into the mix as well.
- Gently massage the mixture into the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
- You can repeat this remedy several times a day as needed.
There are a couple of different times during the day when you can try out this remedy. One of th best times to get an Epsom salt bath in is right before bed. When you do it before bed, your muscles will be relaxed and you will not have to deal with the strain of hurting yourself or pulling your muscles any further because you will be relaxing in bed. Not only that but after the Epsom salt bath, you will be able to sleep a little easier.
In order to enhance the overall experience of your Epsom salt bath, you can even add in a couple of drops of lavender oil or eucalyptus oil as well. This will allow you to have a soothing and relaxing bath that will help to get out the crick in your neck.
8. Hydrotherapy
Another way to help ease neck pain from sleeping is through hydrotherapy. Alternating between warm and chilly water which is water directed on the affect area can help to reduce the pain and relax the muscles.
What to do:
- Spend 3 to 4 minutes in the shower directing warm water on the affected area.
- Switch to chilly water and repeat for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Repeat several times to reduce inflammation and encourage circulation to the affected area.
- You can achieve a similar result by alternating between a damp cloth from the freezer and a damp warm cloth you have heated in the microwave.
9. Ice Pack
An ice pack is also an effective means of reducing the inflammation associated with neck pain from sleeping. Ice is an age-old remedy for getting rid of swelling and pain.
What to do:
- Wrap a bag of frozen peas or corn, or place crushed ice in a resealable, plastic bag, in a thin towel.
- Place the ice pack on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Follow this remedy every 2 to 3 hours for the first 24 hours.
Note: Do not apply ice directly on your skin.
10. Massage
A massage utilizing essential oils like pine, rosemary, lavender or juniper into a carrier oil can also help bring blessed relief to neck pain from sleeping. Massage gets the blood circulating and warms the area. That warmth will help relax the muscles and relieve the stiffness.
What to do:
- Add 5 to 6 drops of pine, rosemary, lavender or juniper oil to 1 Tbsp of coconut or olive oil.
- Use this mixture as a massage oil as you apply gentle pressure and massage in circular motions for about 10 minutes.
- You can place a warm, moist cloth over the area and allow it to sit for 15 minutes after the massage to allow the oils to be absorbed into the area of stiffness.
- Repeat several times a day as required.
Once you do get a massage in, you want to be sure that you are careful not to hurt yourself. You can easily pull a muscle after a massage because your tendons and ligaments have been relaxed and stretched out. After a massage, be sure to stay away from intense and high-pressure activities.
11. Stretches
Stretching your neck is another effective method to help get rid of neck pain from sleeping wrong. Regularly performing stretching exercises can help prevent waking up with a crick in your neck as well as help relieve the pain whenever you do.
What to do:
- Apply moist heat from a towel or shower before beginning.
- Slowly rotate your neck clockwise in a circular motion 5 to 6 times before reversing directions and repeating.
- Next, slowly tuck your chin to your chest and then look up to the ceiling 5 to 6 times.
- Finally, slowly tilt your right ear to your right shoulder and then your left ear to your left shoulder 5 to 6 times.
- Repeat each exercise at least 3 times a day.
12. Horseradish
Believe it or not, horseradish can be used for something more than a condiment for your prime rib. It can also help to relieve neck pain from sleeping. A polyphenol, isothiocyanate, which is found in horseradish has a similar effect on muscle pain as capsaicin.
What to do:
- Gently massage horseradish sauce into the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- You can also use fresh horseradish, but only place it on your skin for half the time because it can cause a burn.
13. Skin Scraping
Skin scraping is another, little know, but effective means of easing neck pain from sleeping. The process warms the area, increases circulation and helps to bring relaxation to the muscle spasm which is causing the problem.
What to do:
- With the help of another person, spread a few drops of massage oil (use one of the recipes above) on the affected area.
- The other person will use a spoon to gently scrape your neck in the affected area.
- You can repeat this process several times a day to bring relief.
14. Heating Pad
Much like using a cold compress, using the opposite, heat, can work wonders for neck pain after sleeping. If you have not done so already, be sure to invest in a heating pad.
One of the best types of heating pads to get is an electronic one. An electronic heating pad will allow you to control just how much heat your administer. With a heating path, the soothing warm will help to relax your muscles so that you feel much better.
What to do:
- After a bath or during the middle of the day, place a rolled up heating pad just under your chin, around your neck, or against the area that is affected or sore.
- Apply just a bit of pressure so that you can soak in the warmth.
- Move the heating pad around frequently so that you can distribute the heat evenly. This will also allow you to avoid warm spots.
Conclusion
Awakening with a stiff neck doesn’t have to ruin your entire day and there is no point in being out of commission any longer than necessary from neck pain from sleeping. Make use of one or several of our remedies for how to get rid of neck pain from sleeping wrong, get rid of that crick in your neck and get right back into the fray. For questions, suggested additions to the list, or success stories, please comment in the section below.
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