6 Ways to Relieve Stiffness in the Neck & Shoulders
Feeling stiff and sore in your neck and shoulders is normal. However, it can be very uncomfortable. You will feel uneasy and helpless when this discomfort strikes. That is why you need to know how to relieve neck and shoulder stiffness.
Generally, this stiffness and soreness are caused by minor injuries that result in bruising or chronic fatigue.[1] High cholesterol can also cause headaches and a heavy feeling in the neck and shoulders. Poliomyelitis and fibromyalgia can also be contributing factors.
Interestingly, there is more than one way to relieve this stiffness and soreness. Here is a more detailed explanation!
1. Relax Your Muscles with Heat

The first thing you can do is relax your muscles with heat. If you have a blanket or pillow with a heating element, you can use it. If not, taking a hot bath can help relax and loosen stiff muscles.[2]
A hot compress is also one of the most effective ways to relieve shoulder stiffness. However, it is important to note that the temperature should not be too hot, as it could burn your skin. Make sure it is warm enough to be comfortable so that you get the best results.
2. Cold Therapy

Not only heat, but cold temperatures can also help relieve neck and shoulder pain on either side. This is especially true if your pain is caused by muscle inflammation or if you experience other symptoms such as chills and shivering.
Knowing your body temperature is important for determining which therapy you need, heat or cold. When your body temperature is high, take a shower or apply a cold compress to the sore area immediately.
Keep in mind that cold water does not mean ice water. Avoid using ice water that is too cold, especially if you have a fever or chills. Use water at room temperature. You only need to use an ice compress when soreness is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or something similar.
3. Help Relieve Pain with a Massage

In addition to hot and cold water, another way to relieve a stiff neck is with a massage. You can also massage your shoulders. This will help relax your muscles and quickly relieve discomfort.
However, your body may sometimes hurt more immediately after a massage. If this happens, there is no need to panic, as it is very normal. This is especially true if it is your first time getting a massage or if you have not had one in a long time.
Your muscles will react to the pressure applied by the therapist during a massage. When this happens, your muscles think you are exercising, so your muscle fibers will react.[3] Generally, this pain will turn into relief after half a day or a day.
4. Strengthen Your Immune System with Enough Rest

As mentioned earlier, heavy and sore shoulders are usually caused by fatigue and lack of sleep. This is because when you do not get quality sleep, your immune system will not function optimally.[4] This is why your muscles are susceptible to inflammation.
Therefore, you need enough quality rest to strengthen your immune system. This will help your immune system overcome muscle inflammation more quickly. Muscle stiffness and pain can also disappear in just a few hours after you wake up feeling more refreshed.
5. Stretch

When your muscles hurt, you need to stretch so they do not become too stiff. Do this 1–2 times whenever the pain returns. This activity is very effective at relaxing your muscles.
6. Take Pain Relievers

If none of the above methods can relieve the soreness and aches, you can try over-the-counter shoulder and neck pain medication. However, taking generic medication can have side effects, especially if you take it without a doctor's prescription.
Therefore, taking herbal medicine such as Tolak Linu can be a solution. This medicine contains natural ingredients such as green broom, Java pepper, red ginger, and other ingredients that effectively relieve muscle and joint inflammation.
Taking this herbal medicine is one of the most effective ways to relieve neck and shoulder stiffness. However, be sure to read the directions on the packaging so that taking this Sido Muncul product remains safe.