AIPIAmerican InterventionalPain Institute

Stiff neck? 5 tips for pain relief after an injury

Published October 13, 2021

From mild stiffness to severe pain after a car crash or fall, neck pain can make the simplest task feel impossible.

Basic stretches can relieve everyday aches, but pain from a slip-and-fall or auto accident should be assessed and treated by a medical professional. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for neck pain, and our team can help you find the right treatment.

In the meantime, here are a few tips for extra relief at home.

Stay active

Exercise strengthens muscles, helps prevent injuries and improves posture, which relieves and prevents neck stiffness. Keep your neck muscles strong with short sets of strengthening and stretching exercises through the day.

Talk to a doctor before starting a routine; they can recommend the exercises and stretches that are safest for you.

Reduce stress

Self-care reduces stress, and with it the muscle tension in your neck. Try meditating, listening to music, journaling, going for a walk, or treating yourself to a spa day or a trip.

Drink water

Not drinking enough can lead to poor muscle quality, which makes injuries more likely in the first place. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sleep better

If your neck often hurts in the morning, your sleep position or setup may be the cause. Sleeping on your side or back puts less strain on your neck than sleeping on your stomach. A pain management specialist can suggest the best positions for your injury.

Set up your workspace

Position your monitor or laptop at eye level. Apply the same eye-level rule to your phone to avoid straining your neck after work hours too.

Getting the help you need

If your neck pain started after a recent injury, we're here to help. From slip-and-falls to car accidents, our team will find the best treatment so you can get back to life beyond pain. Call us to schedule a consultation.