Due to the complexity of the surgical methods and also to speed up the patients’ recovery after surgeries, the use of essential oil is becoming more and more popular. Essential oils for neck pain are recommended for neuropathy, mild to severe sprain and inflammation of the muscles, and injuries in the tissues and bones.
Over the past few decades, there has been a rise in the interest in aromatherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy or herbal treatment, acupuncture, and acupressure where essential oils play a major role in healing. The best essential oils used in natural treatment for neck pain are:
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia)
In a study at The Telehealth clinic and the community center, Hong Kong, the research scholars have proved that the use of lavender essential oil aids in the recovery from a stiff neck, pain, and numbness. As a part of the research to establish the effectiveness of acupressure, lavender oil was used on the patents for over three weeks. The result showed notable improvement in terms of improved flexibility and movement/rotation of the skull. Lavender oil also helps in lowering muscle stress and reducing intense pain.
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint oil is analgesic. Topical application directly on the skin right at the affected area gives relief from muscle spasm, pain, rheumatism, and neuralgia. S.J. Davies and colleagues at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK, initiated a research study where they observed peppermint oil with 10% menthol relieved pain. In their study application of peppermint oil successfully relieved pain for as long as 6 hours. The condition improved over two months of follow up period.
Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum)
Study results published in 2013 by researchers from the Pharmacy department at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy furnished details of helichrysum extracts and its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. Phytochemicals in helichrysum are anti-inflammatory and take quick action again soreness. Application of diluted and therapeutic grade helichrysum essential oil easily treats arthritis, joint pain in the cervical spine and fibromyalgia.
Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana)
Essential oil extracted from marjoram, a perennial Mediterranean herb, is a well-reviewed herbal medicine. Benefits of marjoram can be obtained if you suffer from degenerative nervous system disorders, inflammation, and nerve pain in the neck. Organic compounds found in therapeutic grade marjoram essential oil are terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, sabinene and cis-sabinene hydrate. Majoram oil is nervine, analgesic anti-spasmodic. Although safe, pregnant women are advised to avoid using marjoram. Marjoram oil is also known to be anaphrodisiac.
Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Hundreds of medical students and researchers have contributed to the understanding of rosemary essential oil and its benefits. Rosemary essential oil is analgesic, neuroprotective, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic in nature. Due to the presence of primary analgesic volatile organic compounds such as 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, linalool, ß-pinene, and camphor, it is known to relieve nerve pain. Rosemary essential oil promotes nerve cell growth. Blend it with one or more essential oils. Clary sage, lavender, peppermint, clove, and frankincense essential oils blend well with rosemary oil.
We hope that using these essential oils under the supervision of a physiotherapist or doctor will help you heal faster. With the help of exercise and aromatherapy, one can easily control neck pain. If you are unsure which oil will suit you, it is best to seek expert opinion.