Pulled Muscle in Neck: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies And Treatment

The neck is one of the body parts that are made up of several intertwining, overlapping, and connecting muscles that allow for the neck movement or provide support for the head. As the term itself suggests, a pulled muscle in the neck is the damage to the neck muscle that is often caused by overstretching or tearing due to physical exertion.

Causes Of Pulled Muscle In Neck

Pulled muscle in the neck causes could be suffering from a fall, spending long hours at the desk, or lifting heavy objects improperly. The usual cause of pulled neck muscle is termed whiplash injury often brought about by vehicular accidents.

In infants, whiplash injury is fatal.

Pulled Muscle in the Neck Symptoms

  • Neck pain is defined as sharp, intense, or burning pain.
  • Inflammation occurs around the muscle injury and skin becomes red and tender to touch.
  • Bruising. This happens when small blood vessels are torn with the muscle.
  • Reduced ability to turn the head. Muscle stiffness results to weakness that limits the movement.

Pulled Muscle in the Neck Treatment

  • Get plenty of rest for the first few days after injury. It is important to keep the neck as stationary as possible.
  • Apply ice to your neck four to five times daily, 10 to 25 minutes at a time.
    This helps reduce the inflammation and pain. When applying cold compress make sure that you sit up and keep your head above your heart to enhance circulation on the affected area. See massage for whiplash also.
  • Hydrate. When a muscle is injured, toxins are released causing pain. By drinking lots of water, the muscles are hydrated and toxins are removed.
  • Apply hot compress two to three days after the injury. Apply it four to five times daily for ten to fifteen minutes. This increases circulation and later on promotes healing.
  • Perform gentle exercises that can strengthen the neck to prevent loss of range of motion.

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