Treating a Stiff Neck at Home

4. Prevention

Some everyday habits can cause neck stiffness and small changes can help prevent the issue. Consider using an earpiece on the phone rather than craning the neck to hold it to your shoulder. Avoid looking down for too long, especially while using a cell phone or computer — an issue known as "text neck." Consider switching your daily purse or bag to a backpack, as the uneven distribution of weight on the shoulder can strain the neck muscles.