A crick in the neck can be a painful experience that can make it difficult to do everyday activities. Most of the time, a crick in the neck will go away on its own, but before it goes away, neck pain can wreak havoc on your quality of life. Here are some things you can do to relieve a crick in your neck:

Home remedies:

• Rest: Resting a sore muscle is usually a good idea, but avoid staying in one position for too long.
• Heat or ice: Heat can help loosen up a muscle spasm, whereas ice can ease inflammation. Apply heat or ice for 8 to 10 minutes at a time, and alternate between the two.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are first-line remedies for neck pain.
• Gentle exercises and stretches: Stretching can help relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion. Try neck tilts, shoulder rolls, and upper trapezius stretches.
• Light massage: Gently massaging the affected area can help relieve muscle tension.

When to see a doctor:

If these conservative treatments fail to get rid of your neck crick, or if it hangs around longer than a few days, a visit with a spine specialist is probably warranted. A spine expert can give you access to other, possibly more effective nonoperative treatments, including prescription-strength NSAIDs. A crick in your neck can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. In these situations, you’ll need to see your doctor. Radiating pain that doesn’t subside, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or an accompanying headache are all symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. If you simply have a crick in your neck that lasts more than 24 hours, call your doctor and let them decide if you should make an appointment.