1 Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that.
2 Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Doctors recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3 Keep moving.
4 Gentle massage.
5 Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow.
6 Use a soft neck collar.
Roll your shoulders back and forth.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together several times.
Slowly move your ear to your shoulder on each side.
Slowly turn your head from side to side.