3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help to reduce the stiffness and pain in your neck. Because they’re anti-inflammatory, they help minimize the inflammation in the neck muscles, thereby minimizing the discomfort. There are several different forms of NSAID medications; examples include ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil are common brand names), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve and Naprosyn are common brand names).
While these medications can be a very effective way to treat a stiff neck, it’s important to note that they must be taken properly. Make sure to consult with your health care provider, as NSAIDs can aggravate certain underlying medical conditions or can negatively interact with certain medications. It’s important to take the medications as advised; taking more than the recommended amount could lead to adverse side effects, too, such as liver damage. Avoid taking NSAIDs for a prolonged period of time.