Muscle Spasms in Neck

Muscle spasms in neck limits movement of the neck. It is a type of muscle cramp, that disturbs the normal patterns of contraction and relaxation of the muscle. Neck muscle spasms are characterized by pain, swelling, rigid tightness, and sudden muscle contractions in the affected area. People suffering from muscle spasms in neck find it extremely difficult to move their head freely. Unlike other cramps, neck spasms last longer and can affect day-to-day activities adversely.

What Causes Muscle Spasms in the Neck?
Neck muscle spasms that involve involuntary muscle contraction can occur due to sudden movements that put tremendous pressure on the muscles. Twisting the neck quickly causes over stretching of muscles and the fiber muscles react to this unexpected action by contracting themselves leading to severe pain. This contraction of muscles disrupts the blood flow in the area causing further irritation.

Nutritional Deficiency: Deficiency of certain nutrients such as vitamins, particularly vitamin D, and vitamin B12 that are essential for normal functioning of muscles, can cause neck muscle spasms. Even deficiency in magnesium, potassium, and calcium can trigger muscle spasms in the neck. Sodium, an important constituent of muscle cells, decreases significantly due to dehydration which can result into muscle spasms. A trauma, such as a car accident, or sleeping in a way that puts the neck in an uncomfortable position can also contribute to muscle spasms.

Treatment for Muscle Spasms in Neck
So, how does one treat muscle spasms in the neck? There are different options when it comes to treating neck muscle spasms. However, one should understand that the onset of this debilitating condition is sudden. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to get rid of neck spasms within a short period of time. Some of the treatment options on how to treat muscle spasms in the neck are listed below:

Medication: Pain relievers are commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms in neck. Medications such as ibuprofen not only help to control the pain, but also reduce the inflammation associated with it. Anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen are highly effective in reducing neck pain and swelling.

Massage: A proper massage can equally contribute in relieving pain. Taking the help of a therapist expert in performing massages would be the best option for optimum results. Massaging improves blood flow, thereby helping to control pain. A massage machine can work wonders on the neck muscles. The machine basically loosens up the muscles, thereby reducing the discomfort to a great extent. A hot bath or a heating pad is also an effective remedy for nasty neck muscle spasms. Bath water containing Epsom salt is also useful for muscle pain relief.

Balms: There are medicated balms available at various drugstores, that can provide great relief from neck muscle spasms. Basically, these balms contain menthol, which raise the body temperature. The generated heat soothes the strained muscle considerably. These medicated balms are a unique blend of high quality ingredients that increase blood flow and accelerate the healing process.

Ice: Moving an ice pack over the affected area can bring down the pain associated with neck spasms. This is because, rubbing an ice slowly over the painful area contracts the blood vessels. After contraction, they become extremely wide which helps to increase the blood flow tremendously over the sore area. This sudden rush of flow of blood releases the squeezed up fibers, thereby allowing normal circulation of blood in the affected area. This is the most effective treatment to eliminate muscle spasms in the neck.

Muscle Relaxants: Neck muscle spasms that cause great discomfort, can also be treated with muscle relaxers. As the name suggests, these drugs provide relaxation to the affected muscles. As there are different types of muscle relaxants, one has to take the advice of a doctor before taking any of these drugs to reduce neck spasms. Muscle relaxants, when taken along with pain relievers, is a more effective approach for treating neck muscle spasms. Available in a tablet form, muscle relaxants should be used appropriately as instructed by the health care provider to avoid possible side effects. One can also use natural muscle relaxants, such as chamomile, to relieve pain.

Narcotic Painkillers: People with severe muscle spasms are sometimes advised to take narcotic painkillers. The excruciating pain can be significantly lowered with these drugs. These narcotic pain medications, such as propoxyphene and hydrocodone, relieve muscle tension considerably. However, abuse of these strong painkillers can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. One can also get addicted to these drugs. The famous pop star Michael Jackson who expired on June 25, 2009 was also a victim of drug abuse. The 'King of Pop' was heavily addicted to painkillers that lead to his tragic demise. So consultation with the doctor is very important to know about the required dosage of these medicines to suppress muscle spasms.

Magnetic therapy has also been effective in the treatment of muscle spasms in the neck. Marked by chronic muscle pain, this condition can be significantly brought under control by wearing a magnetic therapy neck wrap. Buying a magnetic necklace or a supportive pillow that has magnets in it, can also help to tackle this problem efficiently.