Neck Spasms

Involuntary muscle contractions in the back of the head, down towards the shoulders and along the side of the neck or towards the center of the neck are known as neck spasms. If the nerve in the neck is pinched, this pain can also be felt in the arm, sometimes even all the way down to the hand.

Neck Spasms Causes

Neck spasm pain can be caused due to sudden movements, which put tremendous pressure on the muscles. Turning the neck quickly in any directions causes the muscles in the neck to stretch, due to which the fibers in the muscles react to the sudden action by contracting themselves. This leads to severe neck pain. Many a time, the blood supply to the area is disrupted, which leads to further irritation.

Neck spasms can also be caused due to stress. If a person sits on the computer all day long for an extended period of time, it leads to the neck stiffening up. At the same time, poor posture can also cause neck spasms. Very often, people slouch when they are working, which puts the spinal cord through an immense amount of stress and tension. Often when we sleep, we do not take care of our postures. This can also lead to muscle pull in the shoulders, which can also cause neck spasms.

If there is an injury to the neck region, it can lead to neck spasms as well. Most of us, do not consider, that stress can also cause stress on the shoulders leading to muscle cramps in the neck.

Neck Spasm Symptoms

The most common symptoms of muscle spasms in neck are stiffness, hardness and pain. The pain is often in the tender part of the neck. The muscle pain normally starts suddenly and becomes intense quickly, however in some cases it can start slowly and over a period of time, it will build up. The pain can be a severe, sharp, stabbing pain. In some cases, the pain can also radiate to other parts of the body. Some people also experience headaches, due to muscle spasms.

Neck Spasm Treatment

The best way to treat neck spasm is to do some neck spasm exercises. There are also some stretches, which you may want to try, to relieve yourself of the discomfort. One of the exercises is neck rotation. Rotate the neck to the right as well as to the left. You can also do chin tucks. This will also help relieve the stress accumulated in the neck muscles. In case of severe neck spasm, your health care provider, may also prescribe you some physical therapy. You may also have to visit a physical therapist.

Massaging the neck will also help in alleviating the pain. You will have to find the right muscles and put pressure on these muscles. If you are unable to massage yourself, you can seek help from your partner or your friend. Along with massaging, the use of cold / ice compress can also prove to be useful. Warm compress can also be used, if you have used oil to massage your neck. If you have recurring neck spasms, you can also use moist heat. Use a warm and moist towel on your neck for 20 to 25 minutes.

If the pain is severe, you may want to use over the counter available, anti-inflammatory medicines. Muscle relaxant sprays can also be used for relief. I will recommend that you take any of the medicines, only after approval from your health care provider.

You will have to stop doing activities which cause pain until the pain associated with neck spasms subsides, or rather, goes away. If you continue to do the activities, they will take longer to heal. If your neck spasms are caused due to over use, you may want to take frequent breaks and do stretching exercises. At the same time, it is always good to treat the condition in time to avoid any further complications.