What should I do when I wake up with a stiff neck?

Answer by  Skullwing (746)

It is probably due to a bad pillow, a hot shower will often loosen up the muscles and ligaments. If not, take an NSAID to reduce the inflammation.

Answer by  Dave22 (98)

Take a long quite hot shower. Obviously not enough to burn, but hotter than usual. Attempt to move your neck around a bit, don't just keep it in the same place. This will be a little uncomfortable, but should not hurt. Also try using some heat pads.

Answer by  YellowCup (1650)

If you wake up with a stiff neck after sleeping you should try gently stretching and moving your neck around. This will loosen up any stiff ligaments, joints, and or muscles that became stiff during sleeping. Also soaking in warm bath or wrapping a warm towel around your neck may also relieve some of the stiffness.

Answer by  jaison23 (172)

Stretching of the neck muscle's will help in reducing the pain, but these stretching exercises must be done with lot of care, slow neck movements like flexion, extension can be done. If pain is severe then hot packs can be applied after an cold pack. If again pain persists then pain killers can be taken.