Home Remedies and Herbs for Neck Pain

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the base of your skull to your upper torso. Additional structures like muscles and ligaments provide support and movement.¹ Neck pain may indicate damage to any one of these structures as well as to the nerves, joints, and discs in the neck.² Oftentimes, neck pain is temporary and disappears on its own. Other times, it indicates a serious injury or condition that requires medical attention.¹

What Causes Neck Pain?

One of the most common neck pain causes is poor posture, which causes strain to the neck muscles.³ This can occur due to daily tasks like hunching over a desk, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or using poor posture when lifting objects or exercising.² 

Another common, though more serious, cause of neck pain is injury. Due to its flexibility, the neck is vulnerable to injury. Damage may occur following a motor vehicle accident, a sports accident, or a fall. These types of injuries most commonly affect the neck muscles and ligaments, but in severe cases, fracture or dislocation can occur, which can lead to paralysis.¹

Other neck pain causes include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Small spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis
• Narrowing of the spinal canal, called spinal stenosis
• Spine infections
• Sprains or ruptured discs
• Cancer of the spine

Neck Pain Symptoms

Neck pain is usually described as a “stiff neck,” where it can be uncomfortable or painful to move it or twist to one side.² Common neck pain symptoms also include muscle tightness and spasms. You may experience worsened symptoms when holding your head in one place for too long.⁴

Seek medical attention immediately if neck pain occurs following an injury or accident or if your neck pain is accompanied by:

• Pain or numbness radiating in the arms and legs
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Fever
• Swollen glands or a lump in the neck
• Symptoms of a heart attack
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Troubles with balance

Mild cases of neck pain often go away on their own and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers, neck pain herbal remedies, hot or cold therapy, low-impact range-of-motion exercises, massage, and rest.² If caused by poor posture, changing your posture or sleeping position can help prevent ongoing pain. 

More serious cases of neck pain, such as an injury, require medical attention. Patients may undergo tests like X-rays, MRI’s, and blood tests to assist in diagnosis of tumors, fracture, infection, or nerve damage.² Neck pain herbs may still help in these cases in addition to doctor recommendations to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

References

1. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00231
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003025.htm
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/basics/definition/con-20028772
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/basics/symptoms/con-20028772