Massage therapy is one of the best ways to relieve a stiff neck. If you're massaging your own neck, use this technique: 1  Warm up the back of your neck by rubbing up and down with your hands. 2  With gentle pressure, use your fingertips to rub in a circular motion on your neck.ry an ice pack to soothe your neck. Cold dulls local pain and limits the buildup of lactic acid, which can cause soreness. Use an ice pack and place it on the part of your neck that feels stiff (usually the back of your neck at your hairline).