“Rubbing Away” Stiff Neck – A Simple Remedy
Stiff neck, also known as “worsened pillow” or “lost pillow.”
Causes of stiff neck fall into two categories:
First, sleeping with a pillow too high or too low causes cervical muscle spasm and fatigue. If one sleeps too deeply, turning the body without rotating the neck results in the neck being held in an awkward position, causing irritation and pain.
Second, exposure to cold wind at night due to open windows or doors leads to chill and subsequent pain. Most cases of stiff neck last 2–3 days and resolve spontaneously without treatment. However, if one wishes to alleviate discomfort quickly and recover sooner, the following measures can be taken.
One: Cold compress:
Stiff neck generally constitutes an acute injury, often presenting localized pain and stiffness. Within 48 hours, only cold compresses should be applied. Wrap small ice cubes in a towel and apply to the affected area for 15–20 minutes each time, twice daily. Severe cases may require application every hour.
Two: Heat compress:
Once inflammation and pain subside, heat compresses may be considered. Use a warm damp towel, infrared heater, or hot saltwater bottle for dry application.
Three: Massage:
If neck and shoulder pain persists after above treatments, perform separation technique massage, ideally with assistance from a family member. The patient sits upright, exposing the neck and shoulders. The practitioner stands behind, applies a small amount of red flower oil or muscle-relaxing oil to the affected shoulder, uses the left hand to stabilize the patient’s head, and with the right thumb, gently rubs and pushes outward from the painful spot to relieve muscle spasm. Perform 3–6 times daily. Typically, this massage relieves neck and shoulder pain.