The neck is an incredibly complex part of the body that is in almost constant use. As a result, it’s easy to incur overuse injuries and chronic pain in the neck. Neck pain is, quite simply a “pain in the neck.” It can hinder your daily activities and put you in a bad mood. Below are 5 treatments for neck pain that you can do at home: 

1. Good posture. Your neck is directly connected to your spine, and thus directly affected by your posture. When you slouch, your lower back bends forward, causing your neck to strain forward in order to compensate.
2. Over the counter pain relievers. Common pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can decrease inflammation and pain in the neck. As with all medication, be careful not to overdo it with these pain relievers. Only take them as needed.
3. Heat & Ice. A combination of hot and cold can help relieve neck pain. Wrapping a handful of ice in a towel and resting it on your neck for 5-10 minutes can reduce inflammation, while applying heat (by taking a hot shower for example) can increase circulation.
4. Massage. Having someone rub your neck and shoulders is a great way to loosen up the muscles and help you relax.
5. Workplace habits. It’s important to stay at eye level with your computer at work. If your monitor is higher or lower than your eye level, you will strain your neck by constantly looking up or down. This can have a terrible toll on your neck muscles, especially if you’re on your computer for 8 hours a day.

If you still have persistent neck pain after trying these treatment methods, there may be a more serious underlying issue. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor who specializes in pain management.