When Your Neck Gets Cold: How to Treat Neck Myositis at Home
Sometimes we don’t know what to do when our neck gets stiff and painful from cold wind or a draft. That’s when this home remedy guide can help you.
Contents:
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What to do when your neck gets cold?
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Wearing an orthopedic collar
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Health-related questions:
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Can you massage the prostate on your own using a massager or vibrator?
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Do antidepressants cause addiction? Are there any “safe” medications for stress?
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My husband has prostatitis but refuses to see a doctor and is self-treating. What should I do?
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Myositis is the inflammation of skeletal muscles. It can strike suddenly not only in cold weather but even in summer. For example, after driving with the window open or sitting in a draft near a fan or an open window. If your neck has been exposed to a draft, hoping the pain will “just go away” can lead to more serious complications. Here are methods to treat neck myositis at home. But before using them, consult a qualified medical professional.
What to do when your neck gets cold?
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Try to avoid sudden movements, do not engage in physical activity, and definitely don’t try to force your head to turn. Stay calm and still.
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If needed, take an over-the-counter painkiller and apply an anti-inflammatory pain relief ointment to the affected area (e.g., Fastum gel, Dolobene, Voltaren, or Ketonal cream).
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30–40 minutes later, you can apply a warming agent to increase blood circulation and reduce swelling:
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a. Vodka (if stronger than 55%, dilute with boiled water) — rub into the sore area and slightly below along the spine, up to four times a day;
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b. Warming ointment (e.g., Finalgon, Capsicam, Viprosal) — massage gently into the sore spot, but not more than three times a day. Note: these ointments can cause allergic reactions;
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c. Dry heat — warm up kitchen salt in a pan, place it into a wool sock, and apply it to the painful area for 40–60 minutes.
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Before going to bed, wash off the warming ointment with warm water. Then apply a compress: fold gauze into three layers, soak it in vodka (50% alcohol, cologne, or camphor oil), secure with a bandage (not too tight), cover with cotton wool, and wrap the neck with a wool scarf. Leave the compress on for 6–8 hours.
Wearing an Orthopedic Collar
When your neck gets stiff from cold exposure, a useful treatment for myositis is wearing an orthopedic collar (also called a “Shantz collar”). It keeps the neck, muscles, and vertebrae in proper position and prevents movement. The mild massaging effect promotes blood circulation and relieves muscle pain. By the way, if you suffer from headaches or dizziness, this collar can also help.
