What to do for a stiff neck??

[einstein's legacy]

I didn't sleep well last night, woke up at 1 a.m., it was pouring outside and Duncan jumped onto the bed right onto my legs, I then proceeded to have a bit of any anxiety attack where my breathing becomes very labored...too much on my mind I guess. Woke up with the worst stiff neck, any suggestions??

[MidwestGirl]

maybe a heating pad or one of those thermal patches

[Champsmom]

Moist heat, pain reliever.

[imported_oakley]

I do love my chiropractor. If you can't do that, try this . . .

But if you can have someone find your pressure point along your shoulder blade and have them rub that spot, you can get some relief from your pain. You know you have found the spot when it hurts when you rub it. It just feels different in that spot than it does everywhere else. It is about midway down your shoulder blade.
Hope you are feeling better.

[Trickster]

Wrap a scarf around your neck.

[chocolatecoverdlab]

Randi, perhaps you could do some neck stretches and a cold compress. Heat always feels really good, but the cold compress will actually be better as it reduced inflammation. Also, you could take some ibuprofen to help with the soreness. Hope it feels better soon! I get a stiff/sore neck a lot, and know how much of...well, a pain it is!

[lablover]

Stand in a hot shower and let the water run on your neck. As it is running roll your head/neck around. That is what my doctor has me do.

I do love my chiropractor.

I love mine also. There is nothing like finding a great chiropractor. I twisted my lower back Sunday ... was even having trouble walking. Went in first thing Monday and again yesterday. I am able to walk right now ... and even think I could pick something up off the floor!

[theoconbrio]

Cadey, I thought heat was best if it was just muscle tightness (as opposed to actual inflammation)? ??? For my (severe) trigger points my drs. have always prescribed heat.

Neck stretches (gently!):

Sit on the hand of the stretching side or lay it behind you. Try to maintain a neutral spine.

Trapezius 1: Turn head to side and simultaneously lift chin upward. It's kind of a subtle motion, but what you want to feel is a stretch that goes along the top of the shoulder.

Levator scapulae: Turn head to side and look down at opposite pocket.

Scalenes: Tip head sideways (rear scalenes), Tip head sideways and slightly backward (front scalenes)

If you're really sore, don't hold the stretches. Rather just move your head through the full range of motion until you feel a slight stretch and then back off. Repeat 15-20 times.

You can also use fingertips or a tennis ball to give yourself some accupressure. Since I have relatively severe problems, I use a Theracane , which is awesome.

[pat]

I agree with what Nathan typed. Also, trigger points can refer pain quite a distance from where they actually are.

[einstein's legacy]

Wow, those sound like great ideas....going to try them now and hopefully find some relief.