While some people suffer from occasional discomfort in the neck and shoulders, others deal with chronic neck pain. Since regularly taking pain medications can be bad for our health, many of us are looking for alternative means of pain relief. Read on for a list of the top five remedies for neck pain.

Exercise

The best exercises for relieving neck pain are surprisingly straightforward. Moving the neck within its full range of motion can help to loosen the muscles and provides relief for many types of pain. First try moving the neck in clockwise circles, then alternate to counterclockwise and repeat. Then simply stretch the neck completely to each side, repeating ten times.

Get Enough Sleep

Have you ever noticed that neck pain often pops up when you are stressed and overworked? It isn't a coincidence; stress causes us to tighten the muscles in our neck and shoulders. Fortunately, the remedy is often very straightforward. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night. During sleep, the body regenerates and rejuvenates itself, allowing muscle tightness to release.

Apply Heat or Ice

Both ice and heat can be excellent methods of reducing neck pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, however, one of these will generally be more suitable than the other. Likewise, sometimes--particularly in the case of pain resulting from injury--it is important to be sure you treat the pain in a manner that won't exacerbate the problem. The best advice is to check with your doctor in order to determine whether heat or ice will be an appropriate manner of tackling your pain.

Get a Massage

Many of us associate massages with luxurious spas and expensive vacations. Massage can, however, also be a therapeutic measure in the struggle against neck pain. Not only does a massage provide instantaneous relief, but it also acts to loosen tight muscles and help us to relax for days to come. Just be sure to seek out a licensed massage therapist who specializes in treating neck pain; and during your treatment, don't be afraid to speak up if you feel any discomfort whatsoever.

See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are specialists in dealing with neck and back pain. They know how to evaluate your complaint and create a comprehensive plan for remedying pain. Check out online customer reviews, or get the recommendation of a trusted friend in order to ensure that you visit a reputable practitioner. Often, one session is enough to see significant reduction in pain, but weekly or biweekly visits may be required in order to prevent remission.