Question:
I strained my neck during a weight lifting session, resulting in soreness on the right side of my neck. I woke up the next morning with a very painful neck. Do I just need to give it more time/rest, or would a muscle relaxant, etc. be worth looking at?
Answer:
Strained neck is the result of muscle spasm due to the trauma or strain on the muscles while lifting heavy weight or pushing heavy objects or sleeping in one position for a long time.
The muscles go into spasm, and they pull the sensitive structures like nerves and blood vessels passing through them giving rise to pain.
This restricted movement of the neck, the pain and stiffness can remain for a week or more than that.
Investigation needed if the pain persists : X-ray cervical spine.
Neck Pain Treatment
- You may apply ice pack or you can do warm water fomentation.
- Neck strain massage may help in some cases; the person should be skilled in it.
- Physiotherapist can give you relief in pain by ultrasound,
- Infra red light can also give relief to your neck muscles.
- Rest for some time is necessary.
- Mild exercise like turning the head sideways, extending the head to the back side, and then touching the chin to the breast bone. This stretching exercise relaxes the strained muscles.
- Put your palm against your fore head; now push your head against it. Now bend your neck, pushing the head forward with your hand. Similarly do the backward exercise.
However it is better to consult a doctor if there is a history of trauma, injury to the nerves, or the symptoms persist for a long time.
- Related Topics
- Neck Ache, Injury Massage | Relief from Kink in Neck Muscle
- Shoulder Muscle Sprain | Treatment to Relax Neck Stiffness
- Sore Neck Muscle: Causes and Home Remedies for Sore Muscles in Neck
- Chronic Neck Pain Relief Remedies | Cervical Severe Neck Ache Causes
- Stiff Neck In Children Causes: Remedies For Neck Stiffness In Kids
