When you are experiencing neck pain, it can affect many aspects of your life. This pain shouldn’t have to hold you back from living your best life. There are multiple forms of treatment for neck pain, but recent studies have shown that some natural remedies may help, too.
Essential oils are a natural remedy that can help you heal from neck pain when used the right way. That being said, let’s talk about how essential oils can help relieve pain and which forms are most effective.
How Essential Oils Can Help With Neck Pain
Many people with neck pain will turn to more natural remedies for relief. Multiple medications may be suggested as a pain reliever; however, they also come with side effects and even risk of developing a dependency. In certain cases of neck pain, natural remedies like essential oils may be a more effective and safe option.
You might be wondering how essential oils can work to treat muscle pain. Some people will use essential oils in addition to other soothing methods such as taking a hot bath or getting a massage. As far as research goes, studies provide promising results for the potential of essential oils for pain relief.
That being said, these studies typically showcase specific essential oils and their individual properties that can provide relief for the pain. In fact, some cases even show that essential oils can relieve tension in sore muscles and even prevent muscle spasms. If you want to learn more about how these oils work to fight neck aches and pain, we put together a list of the top 7 essentials oils for neck pain relief.
7 Essential Oils That Can Help Relieve Neck Pain
Not every essential oil will work for pain relief. There is a complex science behind each essential oil that will help determine the effects on your body. However, some specific essential oils are widely used to help relieve pain, particularly neck pain.
1. Peppermint Oil
When you are experiencing any kind of pain, including neck pain, your first instinct may be to apply a pack of cold ice onto the affected area. Peppermint oil has a cooling feel that can provide similar and effective benefits for pain.
One of the main properties of peppermint is menthol, which is an ingredient that can act to soothe muscle tension. Studies show that peppermint oil can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation to relax your muscles. That being said, it can help ease neck pain while providing a cooling sensation that soothes your body and mind.
2. Ginger Oil
There have been multiple studies on animals over the years that provide evidence that ginger oil can reduce inflammation and swelling. If your neck pain is a symptom of swollen muscles, ginger oil can help reduce your symptoms.
This 2017 study noted that the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger oil may have a significant effect on healing chronic joint pain.
3. Lavender Oil
This essential oil is one of the most popular oils used to create a sense of calmness and relaxation. However, while plenty of evidence shows that it can help relax your mind, you might wonder if these benefits can also translate to pain relief.
That being said, the research on this topic has shown promising results. A 2015 study noted that lavender oil can be used as an effective analgesic, otherwise known as a pain reliever.
4. Bergamot Oil
If your neck pain is a result of nerve damage or neuropathic pain, bergamot oil may be a beneficial solution. Many patients with neuropathic pain will not benefit from pain medications such as opioids, which may lead them to look for more natural remedies.
This 2015 study showed that bergamot oil can be a great natural alternative for helping to reduce neuropathic pain.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
This essential oil is commonly used for its soothing benefits. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are sometimes used to ease the pain for patients who have arthritis or have recently suffered an injury.
In a 2013 clinical trial, eucalyptus oil aromatherapy was studied to examine the benefits for patients with severe pain. The results of the trial showed that inhaling eucalyptus oil was effective in reducing subjective pain in these patients, as well as reducing blood pressure.
6. Juniper Oil
Sometimes, neck pain is a result of sleeping in an uncomfortable position. This can cause your muscles to tense up and feel sore the next morning, making it hard to even move your neck without discomfort.
In animal-based trials, the effects of juniper oil were studied in terms of its ability to relieve physical tension. The results showed that juniper oil inhalation was effective in reducing tension and muscle spasms.
7. Chamomile Oil
This essential oil is often associated with its calming properties and is often used to ease stress. However, studies have shown that chamomile oil can relieve stiffness, pain, and muscle tension when used as a topical (diluted solution) treatment for a targeted area.
Tips For Using Essential Oils To Relieve Neck Pain
Research has shown that there are multiple essential oils that may provide an effective solution for your neck pain. However, the methods of use vary among these studies & subjects. It’s important to note the difference between aromatherapy methods and topical treatment methods.
Aromatherapy and inhalation can provide benefits to your overall body, including the muscles that may be causing your neck pain. These are a great choice, but if you are looking for more targeting relief, then topical treatments may be a better option.
When using topical essential oils, it’s important to note the potency of the solution as to not irritate your skin. That being said, you can use some essential oils for topical application, massage treatment, and roll-on solutions.
If you’re interested in finding essential oil blend products that can help relieve your neck pain in addition to other benefits, check out our collection.