Neck spasms occur when the muscles in your neck contract involuntarily. Your neck becomes painful and stiff which affects the ability to turn your head. An awkward neck movement or stress-related muscle tension is often the reason that triggers a neck spasm.
A neck spasm caused by sudden tightening of the neck muscles may cause:
Common causes of neck spasms:
There are a good number of options to remedy neck muscle spasms and some of them are perfect for short- term relief. Here are some tips to stop neck spasms from occurring.
Try to relax spasming neck muscles by stretching as it may be an effective method to loosen and soften your muscles, which tighten and seize up during a spasm. Perform a stretch that lengthens your neck muscles. For examples, keep your shoulders in place and tilt your ear toward your shoulder until you feel a stretch in one side of your neck. If a certain movement causes more pain then stop it and gently try a different stretch. Your neck spasms indicate that your neck has moved in ways it shouldn’t and your muscles probably need a rest. One way to relax is to lie on your back with a cervical pillow or neck roll under your head and a pillow under your knees.
You may also find relief through heat therapy. Apply a heating pad to the tender area of your neck. You can also stand in the shower with a gentle stream of warm water hitting your neck. The warmth increases blood flow to the affected area which then relaxes and soothes your neck pain. To avoid burns, always check the temperature before you apply heat to your neck and avoid falling asleep with a heating pad on your skin.
Long Heat Packs available in the clinic for $18 – made of Lupin.
Massage is another option that might help relieve neck pain and spasms. Applying pressure to your neck muscles can promote relaxation and relieve tension and pain. You can give yourself a massage by pressing gently but firmly into the tight part of your neck muscle and moving your fingers in a small circular motion. You can also visit a massage therapist to help massage the area.
Epsom salt bath works wonders to reduce muscle spasm, get the bath as hot as you can handle and put as much salts in as possible – anything from 1kg to 8kg. Soak for up to one hour.
The best way to prevent neck pain is to keep your spine flexible and your muscles strong. You can do this with regular exercise: 30 minutes on most days and take plenty of breaks throughout the day to stretch.
If you work at a computer or a desk most of the day:
If you have noticed any neck pain that you think may be associated with tension/poor posture or any other cause, our chiropractors at Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup may be able to assist you. Lakeside Chiropractic is central to Perth’s northern suburbs in Joondalup including Kingsley, Woodvale, Heathridge, Yanchep, Clarkson, Jindalee, Leederville, Mullaloo, Sorrento, Padbury, Currambine and Hillary’s and is located in the centre of Joondalup on 3/45 Central.
We have a HICAPS terminal on site which means you can claim direct from your health fund on the day of your treatment. We are a Medibank and BUPA preferred provider but we are also able to process claims from HBF, HIF, CU Health, health.com.au, AHM, Defence and Australian Unity Health. If your fund is not listed, please feel free to ask one of our friendly staff members. Here at Lakeside Chiropractic our staff are fully trained and regularly see visitors who they are able to successfully treat and improve posture and jaw pain. Please call us on 9300 0095 or on the website www.lakesidechiro.com.au via the Book Online Now tab.
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