neck muscle spasm symptoms and treatment
Medically Reviewed By : Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Cramps on neck
Anyone can get neck spasms. Spending more time, by sitting in front of computers, cell phones and tablets, has become common for many children and adults. These lifestyle changes are responsible for developing neck strain, pain, stiffness and spasms.
Causes of Neck spasm
- Poor posture by tilting the head
- Lifting and carrying more weight on the shoulder
- Carrying heavy objects in one or both arms
- Unnatural positioning – by placing the neck in an odd position for an extended period, while sleeping or cradling the phone.
- Researcher’s shows stress can impact the neck and shoulders
- Strain during physical activity
- Over usage of injured o muscles that are already stiff
- Sometimes headache includes neck pain
- Dehydration can lead to spasms in the neck
- Cervical spondylosis – degeneration of spinal cord
- Whiplash – neck injury due to forceful forward and backward movement of the neck
- Computer work for long hours can cause neck pain, stiffness and spasms
- Degenerative disc diseases
- Herniated disc
- Cervical spinal canal stenosis
- Birth problems
- Meningitis – inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Trauma
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Symptoms of neck spasm
- Severe sharp pain
- Hard and tightening of muscles
- Affective pain and discomfort when moving the neck and shoulders
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or tingling at the base of the neck
- Tender spots in the neck – these are termed as trigger points
Diagnosis
Health care provider performs some exams like checking for tenderness, numbness and muscle weakness. They also test how far they can move head forward, backward and side to side.
Imaging tests
- X-Rays: notices changes in the neck or spinal cord
- CT scan: generates precise cross sectional views of structures inside the neck. Provides more information than plane X-rays.
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MRI: operates by utilising radio waves and a strong magnetic field to generate exhaustive images of bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues. The soft tissues comprises of the disks, spinal cord and nerves of spinal cord
● Imaging tests are best used to determine the cause of pain
● X-ray or MRI evidence is best to pick out structural complications in the neck without having symptoms. By these studies and physical exams, doctors can determine the origin of neck cramps. - Electromyography (EMG): it determines whether neck spasming is related to pinched nerves. In this procedure, fine needles are inserted through the skin into muscle. This investigation finds out smooth functioning of nerves and evaluates the speed of nerve conduction. Blood tests – they are used in confirming inflammation or infections that might be causing or contributing to neck muscle spasm.
Treatment of neck muscle spasm
The following medications may help
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain relief medication
- Muscle relaxants
- Steroid or anaesthetic injections
- Researchers suggest that guaifenesin was effective in treating these spasms. However, more research is needed to recommend this.
- Stretching your neck – neck stretches loses the muscles that are causing cramps. Stretching is one of the best ways to lessen spasms of the neck.
- Massaging of neck muscles – massaging moves the tissue in a circular pattern and provides relief
- Get active - light activity keeps blood flow to muscles rather than completely taking rest
- Reduce stress – mind relaxation can help muscle relaxation. Trying meditation, yoga or breathing exercises allows mind to relax
- Sleeping posture – avoid sleeping on your stomach with head to the side
- Cold therapy – applying an ice pack or bag on neck, can help relieve neck spasming
- Heat therapy – placing a warm towel or warm water bottle on the neck to promote blood flow to muscles. Apply for up to 20 minutes.
- Surgery – if the other remedies are not working doctors will suggest surgery
Preventing neck spasm
Here are some of the tips to prevent this
- Stretch the neck every hour or so, while working at a computer or a desk most of the day.
- Use a headset while talking on the telephone
- While reading or typing documents at your desk, place them in a holder at eye level
- Make sure to sit in a chair that has a straight back with adjustable seat and back
- Avoid standing for long periods. If you want to work so, place the stool nearby and take the rest alternately
- Do not wear high heels. Wear shoes with cushioned soles while walking
- Stop and walk for every hour in a long drive. Do not lift heavy objects after a long drive
- Learn to relax by adopting various methods like yoga, tai chi or massage
- Follow 20-20-20 rule to increase your productivity and reduce your weariness when working for long hours in front of the digital display. Briefly, it states that you take your eyes from the screen for every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Conclusion
It’s important to treat neck muscle spasms. Severe, prolonged spasticity can lead to muscle contracture, which can decrease your motion or leave the affected joints permanently bent. Neck cramps are not only uncomfortable; they can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Muscle spasms or spasticity are likely treatable with rest, physical therapy, or medications. The person can move again comfortably by following the doctor’s advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The five commonly prescribed drugs are
Baclofen
Dantrolene
Carisoprodol
Chlorzoxazone
methocarbamol
Yes, there are. Acetaminophen, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen helps to
manage sore muscles.
It will depend on the patient’s condition, as some types can form dependence. Some may interact with alcohol and other drugs. Always be sure to know the risks and benefits of muscle relaxers and follow instructions given by the doctor while using muscle relaxers.
Yes, physical therapy can treat different types of diseases, including neck spasm. Depending on the cause of neck pain, whether it might be due to muscular strain, injury, wearing of joints, inflammation, nerve problems, or other reasons, the physical therapist will suggest the proper therapy and exercise to relieve pain.