Most people experience a stiff neck every now and then. While the condition is typically nothing to worry about and does not require medical care in most cases, it can be, quite literally, a pain in the neck. Luckily, there are many ways to soothe a stiff neck and speed up recovery.

One way to relieve a stiff neck is to take some of the pressure off your neck muscles. You can wear a soft cervical collar, available where medical supplies are sold, or place a rolled up towel in your shirt collar for extra support, pinning the ends snug around your neck. Sleep on your back with a pillow supporting the curve of your spine.

Relaxing the muscles with a hot shower, massage, or gentle stretches can help relieve a stiff neck as well. A hot water bottle or hot compress, made by soaking a towel in hot water, can also be applied to a stiff neck to aid relaxation. Try adding aromatherapeutic herbs or oils to the compress.

The pain of a stiff neck does not usually go away immediately with the above methods, so over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen can be useful. They can also reduce swelling and make relaxation easier, as it can be difficult to consciously relax the muscles when one is in pain.

If you find yourself suffering from a stiff neck regularly, you may wish to examine and improve your daily habits. Stress, poor posture, and exposure to drafts are all common causes of a stiff neck. Take time out of every day to relax or do something you enjoy, even if only for a few minutes. Stay away from drafts or wear a scarf in chilly weather, and make sure the shocks in your car are working properly to keep your neck from being jolted around while you drive.

Poor posture can be improved with regular stretching and strength exercises. You can perform many of these at your desk, on the bus, or while watching television for just a few minutes out of each hour during the day. If you make an effort to hold your neck comfortably, it will eventually become second nature. Keep your work, such as your computer screen, at a level that allows you to hold your head normally to see it. Avoid activities that compress your neck, such as holding a phone between your head and shoulder.

In some cases, a stiff neck may require medical attention. If the pain does not improve after 24 hours, or if it gets worse, consult a doctor. Other signs of danger are pain spreading to other areas, headache, drowsiness, fever, numbness, or confusion. If you experience any of these problems along with a stiff neck, they may be signs of a serious condition, and it is imperative to seek medical help as soon as possible.