What are the best home treatments for a stiff neck?

A type of heat source, like a hot water bottle or a magic bag. A big, strong handed massage couldn’t hurt either.

@Schroedes13 Sadly I have little, wimpy hands. I have a heating pad, but I was trying to avoid it since it was so hot and muggy today. What is a magic bag?

it’s like a hot water bottle, but it has some kind of material inside, kind of like small beans. You can put it in the microwave, heat it up, and wrap it around your neck.

Oh! I have two of those. I had forgotten all about them. Thanks for explaining.
I would love to avoid heat, but if that’s the trick I may have to suck it up.

If there is no one around to provide a gentle neck massage and/or distract you from the stressful thoughts, how about finding a comfortable position in bed and reading a book that will distract you from whatever is on your mind?

Actually, if you’ve injured your neck somehow the application of an ice pack might be better and more refreshing on a hot day. Here’s some information on when to apply cold and when to apply heat

@Pied_Pfeffer I thought Fluther was for distractions. ;)
You are right, though. I should at least lay down if I have any chance at falling asleep. Definitely increases my odds.

Only use cold if you have edema, if there is no edema and you want to just loosen the muscles in the neck, heat is the only way to go!

Well I’m fairly positive that I didn’t injure it. I always get a stiff neck when I am really stressed out… I’m guessing that is common. My shoulders are also tense, so I really think that I just need to relax. No edema…. not that I can tell, anyhow.

You just need a good neck rub!

That would be ideal, yep.

Sorry…..I’m in China, not Ohio! lol

Just in case anyone was wondering, @Pied_Pfeffer‘s suggestion seems to have worked. I passed out with the laptop still in my lap and everything. :)

ouch. :P

Well gee. I’m glad that you were able to get some rest and are feeling better.

Thank you. :)

You are very welcome. I’ll throw out one other suggestion. There are curved foam pillows that work for me, as I tend to sleep on my side or back. If you sleep on your stomach or prefer a really soft pillow, it isn’t for you. It’s also not very comfortable if you tend to sit up in bed while on the computer or reading, but I just keep extra pillows on hand for that.

Oh, I love those for laying around, though. I am a side/stomach sleeper, so I don’t think it would be very comfortable for sleeping… but they are nice for lounging on.