text: what do you do for a stiff neck or tight, aching neck and back muscles? my tmj has really done a job on me, plus stress doesn't help, either. i have tried taking flexiril, does nothing. even prescription motrin doesn't touch the pain and stiffness. any other ideas? alieve works really well but for a non-meidcated approach try ice after chewing or during a stress or flare up time.  then before chewing or a stress full time, if possible, do a warm compress or heating pad.  sometime even a tylenol pm nightly will help with waking up a little less painful.