Sore Neck
What is a sore neck?
A sore neck is a bit vague to describe. Usually the theme sore is used to describe some inflammation with minimal pain or none at all. A sore neck is usually a result of an overworked neck muscles or – in much worse case – an indication of developing neck problems. A person can also have a sore neck if the neck has performed an unusual activity for an extended period of time. A good example of this would be looking upwards for long periods of time.
Most of the time, a sore neck is not a major problem and there are several ways to relieve sore neck. The most common method is to gently massage the affected area. You may also do a gentle circular motion on the surrounding area first before you massage the affected area. Do not apply hard pressure because if it is not done correctly the sore area may get bigger. You may also apply a hot or warm compress in the area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time – avoid applying it for an extended period of time in one session. The heat will help the muscle relax.
While applying the warm compress be, sure that you are in a comfortable position. It is best done when you are lying down and you have a good pillow to support your neck. Taking a hot shower also helps. Just let the warm water flow over the affected area for some time. The force of the water coming out of the shower head also helps massage the affected area.
If you want to lessen the inflammation, using a cold compress would be useful. But do not use cold compress right after using a warm compress. Wait for at least an hour after have used warm compress before using cold compress.
You may also take over the counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs if you want to ease the soreness. There are also several body warming oils and lotions that may help relieve it. Some believes that taking fish oil helps. The omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re sore neck is recurring, maybe you need to examine your lifestyle. Determine which activities trigger your sore neck. Having a regular exercise regimen lessens the possibility if its occurrence. You do not have to go to a gym to perform an exercise, just a couple of stretching activities that involves neck movement will do.
Whenever performing a task, be sure that you are observing proper posture. If you are constantly doing physical work, consider buying a neck or back support to lessen the effect of tension. Injuries may also cause recurring sore neck. If you have injuries in the neck or surrounding area, consult a physical therapist. They may know some regimen which can strengthen neck muscles thus preventing sore neck.
The common sore neck gradually disappears within a few days. If it does not disappear or you’re feeling or seeing signs that indicated that the affected area gets larger, seek medical advice at the earliest possible time.
What could cause a Sore Neck
Normal activities could be the consequence of a sore neck. This could include twisting in front of a desk for long period of time, sitting improperly while watching Television, placing your personal computer monitor in a position that would require you to bend your neck. Sleeping in an unpleasant position, or twisting and turning during the night might produce a sore neck, while exercising could also cause you to have a sore neck.
Accidents or bad falls can cause serious neck accidents like vertebral bone injuries, whiplash, blood vessel injuries, and even paralysis.
There are many theories about why many people suffer neck pain; however, scientific documentation could not support these theories. For most people, research did not find any specific basis for the pain.
Nevertheless, in certain cases it is possible to make a precise analysis. The underlying problem could be a tucked disc, weakening of bones (osteoporosis), disfigured natural curve of the spinal column (scoliosis) and, very rarely, structural injury due to tumors or even infection.
Other causes of sore neck include:
Other health conditions, such as Fibromyalgia
Cervical arthritis or perhaps Spondylosis
Ruptured spinal disk
Small fractures to the spine from weak bones
Spinal Stenosis (thinning of the vertebrae canal)
Contamination of the spinal column (Osteomyelitis, Diskitis, abscess)
For minor, common reasons for neck pain:
Stay as active as possible. Try to go to work and keep up your normal everyday activities – your bed rest just is not necessary.
In case your doctor gave you a neck-collar, try not to use this for more than 1 or 2 days. Avoid driving if you are unable to flip your head rapidly.
Remember that neck pain is usually not a result of a certain illness and will often disappear within a week.
What is better with regard to sore neck muscles : a heating pad or ice?
I can tell you that heat has helped me more definitely. Put a few long grain rice rights into a thick man sports sock, knot it after which put the other sock on going through the opposite way, knot that. Heat the actual sock in the microwave oven for about 3 minutes. Position the sock pipe at the bottom of your neck and loosen up. The wetness from the rice really aids and if you like, the smell of rice, well that is another added bonus!
Take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Stop typical exercising for a short period of time. This helps peaceful your symptoms and reduce irritation.
Perform slow range-of-motion exercises — down and up, side to side, and from ear to ear canal — to stretch out gently the neck muscles.
Ask a partner to massage the actual sore and painful areas.
Try using a firm mattress without a pillow or using a special throat pillow.
Use a soft neck collar for a short moment of time to alleviate discomfort. Making use of one, too much time can make your neck muscles weaker.
Avoid the following workouts during your initial recovery, except if your doctor or physiotherapist says it is okay:
You might want to lower your activity just for the initial few days. Then gradually resume your usual activities. Don’t perform activities which involve heavy-lifting or twisting of the lower back or any part of the neck for that first 6 weeks following the discomfort starts. After two to three weeks, gradually resume exercise. An actual counselor will allow you to determine when you should start out extending and conditioning workouts and exactly how to accomplish them.
References:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003025.htm