Muscle spasms are involuntary sensations that can occur anywhere in the body, stimulating a pulling, grabbing, or tightening feeling in the muscles of the body. One of the most common areas for muscle spasms to occur in the body is the neck region. A neck spasm may occur suddenly or gradually build in intensity. The intensity of a neck spasm can range from person to person. They can present as a small twitching-like movement or a severe pulling contraction, where your head can be stressed in another direction. If you experience a neck spasm, you will feel a sharp pain deep into the muscle tissue. The muscle may begin to feel firm and tight and may cause restriction in your head movement or painful head movement. Neck spasms typically can resolve within minutes, hours, or a few days, however, it is possible for them to last longer and become a chronic presentation. In most cases, neck spasms can be treated effectively and steps can be taken to try to reduce the recurrence.
Holding your neck in an unnatural position for extended periods of time. E.g. holding the phone between ear and shoulder or sleeping in abnormal positions
Meningitis. A very serious infection that causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord. Requires immediate medical attention.
What can you do about neck spasms?
A good way to help begin to ease the sharp pressure of neck spasms is with stretching exercises. Basic neck stretches can help to stimulate more movement and release built-up tension. Here are a few that you can start off with:
Complete ALL 2 times per day
Upper trapezius mobilisation/stretch
Place your left hand under your buttock and your right hand on top of your head
Gently let your right hand fall towards the floor while bringing your head towards the right side
Once you begin to feel the stretch, hold it for 30 seconds
Repeat on the left side, holding for 30 seconds
Complete the stretch on both sides 3 times
Levator scapulae mobilisation/stretch
Place your left hand under your buttock and your right hand on top of your head
Gently guide your head with your right hand bringing your nose towards your armpit
Once you begin to feel the stretch, hold it for 30 seconds
Repeat on the left side, holding for 30 seconds
Complete the stretch on both sides 3 times
Sub-occipital mobilisation/stretch
Sit up straight on a chair with both feet flat on the ground
Gently bring your chin directly down towards your chest until you feel a nice stretch
Place both your hands on the back of your head to create more of a stretch
Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times
In acute cases, you may also find relief from using ice or heat on the affected area and massage may help to relieve muscle tension and any spasms occurring. In addition, light exercise or movement is recommended rather than being still and inactive.
Preventing neck spasms
To help further prevent neck spasms from being a recurring problem it is important to implement certain lifestyle changes or new routines and practices into your life:
Chiropractic care aims to get the body and its nervous system functioning at its very best. Chiropractic care is suitable for all walks of life and may be a great option for anyone who is currently experiencing neck stiffness, loss of movement or poor posture. Chiropractic care may help with not only acute pain relief of neck spasms but also chronic neck issues, postural correction, and most importantly preventative care! Chiropractic care may help with assisting the body and giving the body an opportunity to move, feel and function better overall. Chiropractic care can consist of:
Manual adjustments
Low force adjustments/techniques
Soft tissue techniques
Ergonomic and lifestyle modifications/advice
Rehabilitation recommendations
When to seek immediate medical care?
It is important to recognise when to seek immediate medical care after experiencing neck spasms and a stiff, restricted neck. If you develop any of these symptoms that correlate to Meningitis, please seek further medical attention urgently –
High temperature/fever over 37.5°
Body chills
Headaches
Purple rash that can look similar to a bruise
Sensitivity to light
If you or anyone else you know are experiencing trouble with neck spasms or would like to seek preventative measures, consider consulting with one of our Chiropractors or another trusted health professional. At Total Health Chiropractic, we will be able to work with you to cultivate a personalised and comprehensive step-by-step plan to allow your body to move, feel and function its very best.
Total Health 
