Are you currently unable to move your neck without experiencing some sort of discomfort? Does your neck suddenly tighten up without warning, leaving you with only the ability to look straight ahead? Neck strains and spasms are a common issue many people will face frequently.
Fortunately, if you fall into this category, our team at Moving Forward Physical Therapy will help by providing you with Physical Therapy Appointments at our NYC location. We’d like to discuss some of the most common causes that typically lead to neck-related complications, and what can be done to help correct the problem.
What Are Strains And Spasms?
Naturally, strains and spasms are injuries that are not entirely exclusive to the neck. These issues can affect every single muscle in your body. Strains usually take place when a muscle is pushed outside of its normal range of motion. This action can cause pain and make it difficult to move the affected area. A spasm, on the other hand, is an involuntary tightening of the muscle. Spasms can last for minutes, hours, and in extreme cases, even days. During this period, when the muscle is contracting, you’ll likely be subject to mass amounts of pain and discomfort.
The Common Causes
Various stimulants can lead to the development of muscle strains and spasms. Knowing what these stimulants are may help you to avoid experiencing strains and spasms in the future. If you’re able to keep yourself informed on this topic, you’ll probably avoid the need ever to visit our team for treatment. Examples of some of the most common causes of neck strains and spasms can include the following catalysts:
Exercising.
- Carrying a heavy object with your arms.
- Sleeping on an uneven surface.
- Placing a large amount of weight on only one of your shoulders.
- Dehydration.
- Keeping your neck in an unnatural position for too long.
Symptoms Associated With Strains And Spasms
On occasion, minor neck pain will go away on its own without any sort of medical attention needed. However, in the cases of strains and spasms, you’ll likely need some form of treatment to accelerate the recovery process. That is why recognizing the symptoms of these two injuries is so critical to your wellness. If you find yourself dealing with any of the below complications, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help:
- Pain and tenderness in the neck.
- Pain when moving your head.
- The development of tension headaches.
- Neck muscles are currently hard, tight, and painful.
Cold And Heat Therapy
The first treatment method you should consider when dealing with neck strains and spasms is cold and heat therapy. Applying a mixture of ice and heat may potentially loosen up the muscle and alleviate your pain. This form of treatment can be used at home and administered when visiting our office.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Another reliable way to combat strains and spasms is with over-the-counter medications. Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can help keep your situation under control and restore your quality of life. However, if these are not able to deliver the results you are looking for, professional intervention may be necessary.
Try Physical Therapy
When muscular issues occur, physical therapy is often cited as one of the first treatment methods that doctors suggest. That is because physical therapy helps to facilitate healing from within an injured area in a non-invasive manner. Through the use of various stretches and strengthening exercises, you can find that your strain has been relieved and that your spasms have dissipated. Below are some of the additional results that our team can help you achieve, all by making a simple appointment with our Manhattan office:
- Improved flexibility.
- Increased range of motion.
- Elimination of pain.
- The mitigated likelihood that the injury will reoccur.
Schedule Your Physical Therapy Appointment At Our NYC Office
From over-the-counter methods to more involved approaches, many techniques can be applied to treat neck strains and spasms. If you’re not sure what will work best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Moving Forward Physical Therapy. We can perform a full assessment of your condition before helping you determine the best method of treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today for more assistance.