Neck Muscle Spasm

The small portion of the spine, located inside the neck, is known as the cervical spine. This is the exact area where most of the injuries (due to its vulnerability), also known as neck muscle spasm, occurs. The portion is covered with small amounts of muscles and ligaments, which can not protect the traumas sometimes caused. Plus the terms 'strain' and 'sprain' associated with the neck muscles have very different meanings. At any given point of time, your neck muscles can become tight and may begin to hurt. This occurs involuntarily and the contractions in the muscles is what we call a spasm.

According to Orthopedists, strains are mostly injuries of tissues (muscles, tendons and their adhesion in the bones) that usually contract and move. In contrast, sprains are mostly injuries to neutral (inert) structures, like, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, joint capsules, cartilage, and bursa. It is known that there are certain treatment methods to help you lower the pain in your neck muscles. And to understand that in detail, let us go over the rest of the article to find out what are the main causes behind this so we can reach to a helpful treatment method. Also, henceforth, muscle spasm in your neck will also be referred to the term strain in the rest of the article.

Causes of Muscle Spasm in Neck

The muscle spasm in your neck is caused due to whiplash injury, holding neck forward for long periods of time (watching television or reading), excessive stress and tension at work and/or home, bad posture, excessive overheard work (painting or lifting things over your head), previous injuries, overuse of shoulder and neck muscles, and poor night of sleep (pillow too high or flat). Although there can be other possible cases for sore neck muscles, the before mentioned causes are very common. There may be times when the pain in the muscles might go away in couple of days, but delaying any kind of treatment (prescription drugs or home remedies) should not be overlooked. Specific muscle spasm exercises for your neck can help you recover in a few days and keep the muscles from becoming worse.

Treatment Methods for Muscle Spasm in Neck

Of course, there never are any quick fixes in life. However, you can immediately find an indeal treatment to at least lower the pain in the muscles. For a quick muscle spasm relief, follow these stiff neck remedies that can be executed from the comforts of your home.

• Place both your hands behind your head and pull your chin toward the right collarbone with the help of your arms. Don't exert yourself and try to stay as relaxed as possible. Hold this posture for 10 seconds and go back to the starting posture. Repeat on the other side.
• To relieve a light neck pain, put your hands on your sides and stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Now squeeze your shoulder blades inside and hold this posture till you count to five. Release the contraction and repeat the exercise at least 30 times in sets of 3. Take short, 10 second breaks in the middle of each set.
• Perform 6 neck rotations (in total) on both sides; three rotations on right side and three rotations on left side. Look over to your right shoulder and hold your chin with your right hand to gently push it toward the right side. Make sure you don't jerk the chin too hard or else your neck spasm will increase. Repeat the same technique on the left side.
• Also, it goes without saying that you should not lift anything heavy and give yourself ample amount of time to recover. What you need to focus on is to relax and take a break; not stress yourself further to a point where you are constantly in severe pain.

Other Treatment Methods for Muscle Spasm in Neck

• For moderate pain, take the day off and indulge in complete bed rest.
• Place a small, soft pillow under the nape of the neck. It will neutralize the positioning (level) of your neck with the body.
• Apply moist heat (warm, damp cloth) over the area where the muscle spasm is. The heat will offer you some relief till you can visit a doctor.
• Don't try to extend your neck, avoid the daily chores (if possible), and try to avoid excessive physical labor (exercise).
• Massage the neck area and around it with some cubes of ice. Place them over the sore area and work in slow circular movements.
• Try not to hold your work phone or cell phone on your shoulder while talking. Also, adjust your office chair and car seat so that you sit in an upright position; your back should be touching the back of the chair properly.
• Another method that can have a positive impact on the stressed muscles in your neck is acupuncture.

It is very essential that you visit your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from constant muscle spasm in neck. Performing any kind of treatments by yourself is never advisable. Which is why, you need to seek advice from your doctor on the subject. This practice is important so that you don't further injury or damage the neck muscles. Self care is possible and sometimes helpful, although an Orthopedic doctor can do a proper diagnosis and promise you healthy, fast recovery.