Neck spasms are involuntary movements in the neck area that can be extremely painful and are usually caused by injury or strain. They can also be caused by anxiety, stress, and tension. Symptoms include a stiff, painful neck and the inability to move the neck without discomfort. Treatment options include stretching, applying ice, taking medication, and getting a gentle massage.
Neck spasms refer to muscles in the neck area that move involuntarily. These movements are twitching and can be extremely painful. They usually occur after an injury or strain in the neck area. The pain from these spasms can sometimes be felt in the back and can also produce migraines. This is because the muscles in the neck extend up into the head and down into the shoulders and upper back.
These spasms can occur for a variety of reasons. Any neck injury can produce these painful contractions, but specific injuries including whiplash and muscle strains are more commonly seen with this type of spasm. A viral infection can also cause neck spasms, but due to the inflammation that accompanies this infection, pain and swelling may be felt in other areas of the body. Tetanus is a condition that occurs when a cut or wound becomes infected, which can cause severe contractions in skeletal muscles. Tetanus not only causes neck spasms, but also prolonged lockjaw.
Anxiety, stress and tension can cause neck and shoulder spasms. This is caused by a constant tightening of the shoulder and neck muscles and this prolonged tension can also produce pain and inflammation surrounding the muscles. A prolonged partial twitch can also occur due to anxiety and stress. If the stress is not eliminated, the neck spasms will continue to get worse.
Symptoms seen during neck spasms can include a stiff, painful neck and the inability to move the neck without discomfort. A misalignment of the cervical spine sometimes determines where the pain is felt. Severe muscle spasms can affect neurological processes and cause weakness, numbness, and a tingling sensation, usually after a prolonged contraction. Extreme pain or severe contractions aren’t necessarily signs of a dangerous underlying medical condition. The neck spasms that cause the most discomfort are usually related to stress or injury.
After a muscle spasm occurs, there are a few things that can be done to reduce the pain. Stretching your neck muscles and turning your head from side to side helps relieve the pain of stiff neck. Applying ice to the sore area can reduce inflammation in the muscles. You can take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce cramping. A gentle massage can loosen tight muscles in the neck.
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