If you are thinking of non-medical self-treatment to alleviate your neck pain, consider the following: Swimming Swimming can strengthen the supporting neck muscles, and this may help relieve sore, stiff necks. But if you are still in pain after swimming, you need to look closely at your stroke technique and align your head properly with your body while swimming. Massage Research has shown that massage may relieve neck pain if it is done often by a professional therapist and for the correct length of time (preferably for 60 minutes per session 2 – 3 times a week) Acupuncture The medical literature on whether acupuncture is an effective treatment has been mixed. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture can provide temporary relief for a chronic stiff neck, but more research is needed in this area. Chiropractic care Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment option that may help reduce your neck pain and related symptoms through specific adjustment techniques to relieve the pressure on the nerves.