These 7 Products Will Help Relieve Your Achy Neck Pain

Jul 15, 2023

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

You’ve likely felt that aching tightness in your neck after a rough night’s sleep or maybe a throbbing pain in your upper shoulders after a long day slouched over a computer. Neck pain can be, well, a pain in the neck, and unfortunately is very common for pretty much anyone who works at a desk or uses their phone constantly (so, almost everyone).

One out of every five people will suffer from neck pain sometime during their life that’s so severe it will prevent them from work, sleep, sports, or other daily activities, says Kevin Pauza, MD, Chief Medical Advisor and Director of Discseel Technologies.

Before we get into how to remedy neck pain, it’s important to first understand the structure of what’s underneath your delicate neck skin and causing you pain. Basically, the neck has five cushion-like discs that separate the neck’s bones. The discs are made of outer layers of rings that hold a soft inner gel-like substance in place that works like a “shock absorber,” Pauza explains.

“Neck pain occurs when layers of the outer rings tear, causing gel to leak outwards,” says Pauza. “This leaked gel causes inflammation, because the soft gel is perceived by the human body as if it was a foreign substance when it leaks outside the disc center where it belongs.” That response can cause inflammation of the cervical spinal nerve and cause neck muscle spasms. If gel leaks onto adjacent spinal nerves that travel into the shoulders, arms, or hands, it can cause pain, numbness, or that ‘pins and needles sensation’ to wherever those cervical nerves travel, according to Pauza.

Other possible triggers of neck pain can include shallow breathing, poor posture, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain, or trauma. And neck pain doesn’t discriminate. It affects men and women equally, but is more common in advanced age, in individuals who sit for long periods of time throughout the day, and in those with a history or lower back pain.

But the good news is that neck pain can sometimes be prevented by maintaining good mobility and flexibility of the neck, says Joel Tenbrink, PT, PhD, Assistant Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Rocky Mountain University.

“Avoid prolonged positions such as cell phone posture or lying flat with your head elevated can prevent neck pain, as these positions put undue stress on the muscles and joints,” Tenbrink says.

In instances of simple neck pain or discomfort, practicing neck stretching techniques and correcting poor posture can be enough to alleviate pain. If you have more alarming symptoms, like numbness or tingling in your neck, arms, or fingers, you should consult with your doctor to see if there may be a more serious underlying issue. But if you’re in the market for something that you can use at home to help those aches and pains in your neck, we asked the experts and rounded up their top picks for neck pain relief products.

Tiger Balm’s “secret” herbal formula is said to date back as far as the Chinese emperors. It contains camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, and clove oil that when applied topically can relieve back pain, joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis pain. Apply generously to affected areas and massage gently until the cream is absorbed into the skin. This is intended for minor aches and pains, not serious injuries.

Developed by a chronic neck pain patient, Thera Cane is a top recommendation from physical therapists. The cane’s ergonomic design comes with six attached treatment balls that allow you to massage and eliminate painful knots on the spot. Simply place the device on your back or neck and apply pressure as you drag up and down in steady motions. This will help maximize blood flow and can alleviate the tension in tight and sore muscles.

This reusable heating or cooling pad is a great on-the-go option. Throw it in the microwave for 45 seconds or cool it in a freezer until frozen, and then place directly on your neck for immediate relief. The device can be twisted or folded to mold to your body for targeted pain relief and injury recovery. It also comes with an adjustable strap that lets you secure it to your neck or shoulder. The pad is reusable and the cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Made with a blend of five herbal pain killers, Viopatch Herbal Pain Relief Patches provide relief from pain and inflammation on the applied area for up to 12 hours. Just peel and stick the patch onto the part of your neck where you’re feeling discomfort and let them get to work. The patches can be cut into strips for easy application and last for two to three uses.

Not all pillows are created equal, so when it comes to ensuring your neck and spine are supported during sleep, this memory foam pillow comes highly recommended. It helps keep the proper C-angle and alignment of the cervical spine. One reviewer said they’ve tried them all, and this is the first pillow that allows them to sleep through the night and wake up pain free. Made with a breathable memory foam that provides better air circulation to keep you cool and dry, the pillow comes in a standard, queen and king size.

If you’re looking for a neck relief product that does all the work for you, look no further. The Restcloud Neck and Shoulder Relaxer is essentially a neck pillow that is intended to be used for just 10 minutes a day, as opposed to overnight. You just lay your neck on it like you would a normal pillow and rest. It’s made from a dense yet soft foam that cradles the neck, and promises to ease pain and promote cervical spine alignment. The Relaxer has more than 55,000 Amazon reviews from happy customers who all say that it’s helped them with a variety of neck and back problems. Some reviewers have also found it to be a great addition to their existing physical therapy regimen.

Designed specifically as a neck massage pillow, you can use the Papillon Back Massager with Heat while lying down or use the adjustable straps to attach it to your desk chair while you work. With just two heat settings and two adjustable speeds, this neck massager is simple to use and delivers the perfect amount of pressure. You can even adjust it to get it on the exact spot you need it to knead. It comes with a 15-minute auto shut-off so you don’t have to worry about it overheating, making it ideal for travel or to bring into the office.

You’ve likely felt that aching tightness in your neck after a rough night’s sleep or maybe a throbbing pain in your upper shoulders after a long day slouched over a computer. Neck pain can be, well, a pain in the neck, and unfortunately is very common for pretty much anyone who works at a desk […]