Having a stiff neck can definitely keep you from having a smooth-sailing day. For many, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID is the quickest solution to a stiff neck. While effective, this step is something that can come with side effects and even risks. Aside from popping an NSAID in your mouth and then wondering which of its side effects you may encounter, you may choose to deal with a stiff neck through some Ayurvedic remedies.

Usually, a stiff neck is nothing serious. Most of the time, it is simply due to bad positioning of the neck whether you are wide awake or fast asleep. You can get stiff neck, too, from doing certain intense exercises.

There are times, however, when a stiff neck is due to an underlying medical condition. You can tell if it’s the serious kind that warrants a trip to the hospital if it refuses to go away after a day or two. A stiff neck should not be taken lightly if it comes with unusual symptoms like muscle pain, headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fever. Since it could be something serious, a person who has a stiff neck should be taken to a medical facility ASAP.

But if you’re quite sure that your bout of stiff neck is simply due to using the computer for extended periods of time, sleeping for several hours straight or engaging in demanding exercise, don’t panic. You may try the following Ayurvedic remedies that are known to effectively help in dealing with a stiff neck:

Ginger

You can employ ginger in a couple of ways if you wish to rely on it for making your stiff neck go away without the need to pop an NSAID in your mouth — by consuming it in tea form or applying it on your neck.

Mince a small piece of fresh ginger root and allow it to steep in a cup of boiling water. After a few minutes, strain and add a teaspoon of honey. Consume a cup of freshly-brewed ginger tea up to thrice a day. Also, you may wrap 3 tablespoons of grated ginger root in a piece of cloth, and then place on the achiest part of your neck for several minutes. You may perform ginger compresses a few times per day for faster relief.

Turmeric

Ayurvedic healers also recommend the use of turmeric for dealing with a stiff neck, as well as most other types of joint pain and swelling because it has superb anti-inflammatory properties just like ginger.

Most people prefer to employ turmeric for battling a stiff neck by dissolving a teaspoon of it in a glass of warm milk — cow’s milk or a non-dairy variety. If you want, you may simply add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric and mix very well. The resulting paste should be then applied on problem areas.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While it may not be easy on the nose, apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for a stiff neck.

Grab a large piece cotton pad and soak it in apple cider vinegar — the best one for the job, of course, is the kind that’s raw, unfiltered and organic. Wring out a little of the sour liquid and place it on the achiest part of your neck. Leave it there until the cotton pad is completely dry. You may also take apple cider vinegar by mouth for healing from within — simply stir a tablespoon of it in a glass of water and drink it up.

Don’t forget to share this article to let your family and friends know how they can deal with a stiff neck effectively without the need to take NSAIDs.