Neck pain is common. In 2013 1.8% of health care visits were for neck pain, that is over 21 million visits.

Neck pain can be caused by sleeping wrong, poor posture, stress, computer time, and after exercise.

Severe neck problems can be from arthritis or disc problems. Occasionally a heart attack can present as neck pain. Infections such as meningitis can present as neck pain.

If you have severe pain, numbness, weakness, balance issues, fevers you should seek out medical care immediately.

The common home options for your run of the mill stiff neck
1. ice and/or heat
2. OTC medications or ointments
3. Stretches
a. forward bending (flexion)/backward bending (extension)
b. side to side
c. rotation
d. forward and backward
e. hug stretch

Try using a heating pad for a few minutes before your stretches
Try to stretch every hour or two while you are awake.
Try a new pillow.
Adjust your desk or computer to improve your ergonomics
Improve your posture. Check out the UpRightGo.

Always talk to your health provider to make sure that any exercise or treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

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