The neck constantly has to support the head, which usually weighs about 15 pounds. If you are constantly stressed or anxious, then it’s not unlikely for your neck to feel achy.

Below you will come across some of the best home remedies for neck pain due to stress or anxiety.

Do you have family and friends who are constantly leading stressful lives or having bouts of anxiety? They, too, may be experiencing neck pain most of the time, so share this article on social media!

Everyone knows that poor posture and trauma can cause the neck to hurt. But did you know that stress or anxiety can also bring about the same problem?

When your body is in a constant state of stress or anxiety, the muscles tense up, and the muscles in your neck are included. This can have negative effects on the neck bones and nerves.

Needless to say, the best way to fend off neck pain is by keeping stress or anxiety at bay.

But in this day and age, it can be extremely challenging for anyone to lead a life that’s completely free of stress or anxiety, so almost all of us are prone to having neck pain.

When neck pain strikes due to stress or anxiety, try the following home remedies:

Hot or Cold Compress

The moment that your neck starts to hurt, count on either a hot or cold compress.

You can soak a small towel in warm water, wring out excess, and place on the part of your neck that hurts. Or you can also stash some ice cubes in a ziploc bag, wrap it in a small towel, and apply on your neck.

A lot of people who suffer from neck pain caused by stress or anxiety opt for alternating hot and cold compresses.

Gentle Massages

Since the culprit is the tightness of the neck muscles, it’s a good idea for you to get your neck gently massaged in order to attain relief from neck pain due to stress or anxiety.

The best massage oil for the job is slightly warm olive oil or coconut oil.

Of course it’s a great idea to ask someone to do the massaging for you so that you may focus on relaxing. Don’t forget to ask the person to have your shoulder muscles massaged, too!

Stretching Exercises

There are also some stretching exercises that you may do as soon as stress or anxiety makes your neck ache.

Something as simple as looking up and down and then left and right can help in loosening tight neck muscles, thus helping to relieve neck pain brought about by stress or anxiety.

Clockwise and counter-clockwise neck rolls can work wonders, too. Make sure that you also stretch the muscles in your shoulders by shrugging or rolling them.

Avoid Triggers

Last but not least, it’s important for you to steer clear of anything that can increase your stress or anxiety, thus causing your neck pain to worsen.

For instance, it’s a good idea for you to eliminate stimulants like coffee and cigarettes.

It will help a lot if you also include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet to help deal with tight neck muscles. Some of the best ones are fish, nuts and seeds.