Home remedy for neck pain and headache

The phrase "pain in the neck" is funny and sometimes accurate. A stiff neck is a common problem, affecting about 10% of the population at any given time. There are many reasons for neck pain, making it difficult to determine the exact cause.

Table of Contents Show

Remedies and Treatments for Neck Stiffness
When to See a Doctor
Tension headache
Cervicogenic headache
Cluster headache
COVID-19 headache
Tension headache
Cervicogenic headache
Migraine headache
What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?
How do you get rid of a headache and neck pain fast?
What home remedy is good for neck pain?
What causes headache with neck pain?

If you wake up with a stiff neck, you're likely experiencing a muscle spasm, or contraction. That's known as a muscle strain. A neck sprain affects the ligaments, or tough tissues that connect and stabilize your bones. Tendinitis — inflammation in the tissue that attaches muscle to bone and controls movement — is another contributing factor for neck pain.

Symptoms of a stiff neck include:

Tight muscles or muscle spasms
Inability to move your head, or a decreased range of motion
Pain that continues to get worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time

A headache that won't go away

Remedies and Treatments for Neck Stiffness

At-home remedies will usually help with the majority of early-stage neck stiffness:

Apply an ice pack to numb the area and soothe inflamed muscles.
Take an over-the-counter painkiller, like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve.
After a day or two, apply a heating pad or warm compress.

During the next few days, take these precautions:

Be aware of your movements. Try not to jerk your head quickly or twist your neck. This can cause inflammation.
Try gentle stretches, moving the head back and forth, then up and down.
Ask a friend or partner to massage the sore area.
Wear a neck collar for a few hours to rest stiff neck muscles.
Sleep without a pillow, or use one that's specifically designed to support the neck.

It's possible to prevent a stiff neck. The majority of neck pain is a combination of bad posture, injury, or general wear and tear as you age. If you experience neck stiffness often, try making some simple adjustments:

Watch Your Posture

Shoulders should be in a straight line over your hips. Ears should be in line with your shoulders.

Adjust Desk Furniture

Your computer should be level with your eyes. Consider raising or lowering your desk monitor or laptop. When you sit, adjust your chair to ensure the knees fall slightly below the hips.

Use Headphones or Speakerphones

If you hold your phone between your ears and shoulder, or look down to text, you're putting the neck in an awkward position that could cause muscle strain. Wear headphones or use your speakerphone instead.

Take Frequent Breaks

Sitting in the car or at your desk can take a toll on your body. Get up every hour, move around, and do some light stretching.

Switch Shoulders

If you carry heavy bags, make sure the weight is evenly distributed between both sides of the body. Excess weight can lead to neck strain.

Find a Supportive Way to Sleep

The head should be aligned with the body. Try placing a small pillow underneath your neck. It may help to sleep on your back and place extra pillows underneath the thighs to align the muscles in your spine.

When to See a Doctor

A stiff neck usually improves over a few days with at-home remedies. Sometimes neck pain is a symptom of a bigger health problem, although this is rare. See a doctor if:

The pain is severe.
Neck soreness or stiffness doesn't go away after several days.
Pain or stiffness travels down the arms or legs.
You have a bad headache and notice numbness, weakness, or a tingling sensation.
You've recently suffered an injury — from a car accident or a fall, for example.

Neck Pain in Children

A stiff neck isn't just something that happens to adults. Children also experience neck soreness and pain. At-home remedies like ice packs, massage, neck stretches, and over-the-counter painkillers are also helpful for your kids. Make an appointment with your doctor or pediatrician if your child:

Has an injury or has recently experienced head or neck trauma
Is overly tired
Was bitten by a tick
Has a skin rash, headache, or flu-like symptoms
Is nauseous or vomiting
Is fussy or cranky
Is an infant and is having problems nursing or sucking a bottle

People may occasionally experience neck pain with a headache. Although people can usually manage symptoms at home, in some cases, they may need to contact a doctor.

A variety of conditions, such as infections, stress, and illness, can cause neck pain and a headache.

People sometimes worry that a headache means they have cancer or another serious medical issue. Most headaches, though, are harmless and go away on their own.

Monitoring for other symptoms, such as fever, and tracking whether or not symptoms get worse can tell a person if they should seek medical attention.

Read more to learn about what causes neck pain and headache, how to treat the symptoms, and when to contact a doctor.

There are many different types of headaches. The most common are migraine, cluster, and tension.

Tension headache

A tension headache gradually gets worse with time, and neck pain can accompany it. Fatigue, stress, and muscle strain are often underlying causes of these headaches.

These headaches often lead to a dull, throbbing pain on both sides of the head. The pain might come and go.

Learn more about tension headaches here.

Cervicogenic headache

According to the American Migraine Association, a specific source of pain in the head or neck causes a cervicogenic headache. It leads to a dull, aching pain on one side of the head.

In addition to pain, a person may experience:

a limited range of motion of their neck
a headache that worsens as a result of specific movements
increased headache pain due to pressure on the neck
pain that typically occurs on one side of the head
pain that starts in the back of the head or neck and travels behind the eyes

Learn more about cervicogenic headaches here.

Cluster headache

A cluster headache is a sudden, intense headache that can be debilitating. It usually begins near the eyes or temples and affects just one side of the head.

This headache can make a person have red eyes, a runny nose, and congestion.

Cluster headaches typically last less than 3 hours. They often begin with a prodromal phase, which is when a person may have changes in mood, personality, or sensations. Some people may also have neck stiffness.

Learn more about cluster headaches here.

COVID-19 headache

A COVID-19 infection can cause headaches in some people. According to a 2020 study, 11–34% of people receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 reported experiencing a headache. People with a COVID-19 headache may also have a stiff neck as well as widespread muscle pain, aches, and stiffness.

A COVID-19 headache can happen for several reasons, including:

muscle stiffness, especially in the neck and back
a sinus headache from congestion
inflammation
damage to blood vessels
changes in blood pressure

The virus can also lead to meningitis, which causes a stiff neck, headache, light sensitivity, and sometimes changes in thinking or personality.

Learn more about COVID-19 headaches here.

Migraine

Migraine is a type of neurological headache that can cause severe pain.

A 2020 study suggests that neck pain may be the most common migraine symptom, beginning at the same time as the headache.

The study, which included 50 participants, found that neck pain occurred alongside a migraine headache in about 90% of people. The remaining 10% experienced neck pain at other points during their migraine headache.

Learn more about migraine here.

Meningitis

Meningitis is swelling of the meninges, which are membranes that line the skull and spinal column. It happens when an infection attacks the meninges. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause meningitis.

People with meningitis often have a very bad headache and a stiff neck that makes it difficult to move the head. It can also cause other symptoms, including:

fever
confusion
loss of consciousness
dizziness
nausea and vomiting
sensitivity to light

Learn more about meningitis.

The treatment for a headache and neck pain depends on the type of headache a person has. The following are common treatments for different types of headaches.

Tension headache

Tension headaches often cause mild to moderate pain. In some instances, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, massage, or rest will relieve pain. If the pain is persistent or occurs frequently, a person may need additional treatment options.

Some prevention strategies include:

eating regular meals
managing stress
getting regular rest
exercising each day for at least 30 minutes
avoiding triggers such as stress or lack of sleep
drinking enough water
keeping a headache log to identify triggers
stretching to reduce neck and upper body tension

Learn about home remedies for headaches here.

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headaches are the result of an underlying condition in the neck, so treatments focus on the neck. People experiencing these headaches should contact a doctor.

Typical treatments for cervicogenic headaches can vary but may include:

using nerve blocks
taking pain medication
having physical therapy

Migraine headache

Migraine treatments often involve improving a person’s symptoms and preventing future migraine.

Some treatment options include:

using medications, such as pain relievers, triptan, or ergotamine drugs
resting in a dark, quiet room
drinking plenty of fluids
applying a cool, damp cloth or ice pack on the forehead
undergoing hormone therapy
recording triggers and trying to avoid them
managing stress

Learn more about tips for migraine relief here.

Many people do not need to contact a doctor for a headache and neck pain. Usually, taking OTC medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or applying heat packs can adequately manage pain.

A person should contact a doctor if:

the headache does not go away or gets worse
OTC medications do not stop the pain
the headache interferes with daily activities
sexual activity, coughing, sneezing, exercise, or bending over trigger the headache
they develop nausea or dizziness

A person should seek emergency medical treatment if they experience:

vomiting that will not stop
loss of vision
pain lasting more than 72 hours
the presence of unusual symptoms
an intense “thunderclap” sensation in their head
weakness or numbness of the face or arms
slurred speech
stiff neck and fever

Neck pain and headaches are often connected. Several types of headaches, including tension and migraine headaches, may correlate with neck and other pain.

People should contact a doctor if they are not sure what is causing their headache and neck pain, treatments are not working, or they experience other worrying symptoms.

What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?

First, ease the early intense pain with rest, ice, and heat; then move on to gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Later, avoid bad posture and other habits that could trigger another neck pain crisis.

How do you get rid of a headache and neck pain fast?

Ease muscle tension Apply heat to relieve tense neck and shoulder muscles. Use a heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle, a hot shower or bath, a warm compress, or a hot towel. Or apply ice or a cool washcloth to the forehead. Massage also can relieve muscle tension — and sometimes headache pain.

What home remedy is good for neck pain?

Neck pain treatment and remedies.

Apply heat or ice. ... .

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. ... .

Stretch but avoid sudden movements. ... .

See a physical therapist (PT) ... .

Consider chiropractic care. ... .

Book a massage. ... .

Try acupuncture. ... .

Limit physical activity that bothers your neck..

What causes headache with neck pain?

Because cervicogenic headaches arise from problems in the neck, different conditions can trigger this type of pain. These include degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, a prolapsed disc in the neck, or a whiplash injury. Falling down or playing sports can also cause injury to the neck and trigger these headaches.