Lifestyle and home remedies

Self-care measures you can try to relieve neck pain include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers. Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Or alternate the cold treatment with heat. Try taking a warm shower or using a heating pad on the low setting.
• Home exercises. Once the worst of your pain has subsided, begin gentle stretching exercises daily. Your doctor or a physical therapist can instruct you in the proper technique. First warm your neck and back with a heating pad or in the shower or bath. Then gently tilt, bend and rotate your neck.