Pulled Neck Muscle: How to Treat the Pain When You Can’t Turn Your Head

What is a Pulled Neck Muscle?

A pulled neck muscle occurs when the muscles in the neck are overstretched or torn, causing pain and discomfort. Medically, this can happen due to factors like poor posture, sudden movements, or stress. For those in high-demand jobs in Singapore, neck pain can disrupt both personal and professional life, especially when it prevents you from turning your head.

Symptoms of a Pulled Neck Muscle

When you experience a pulled neck muscle, you might feel:

  • Pain or tenderness in the neck, especially when turning your head
  • Stiffness that prevents full range of motion in the neck
  • Muscle spasms or tightness around the neck
  • Pain that radiates into the shoulders or upper back
  • Numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or hands

What Causes a Pulled Neck Muscle?

Common causes of a pulled neck muscle include:

  • Poor Ergonomics: Sitting with improper posture at work or while using a smartphone can strain the muscles in the neck.
  • Sudden Movements: A sudden twist of the neck, such as during exercise or while driving, can cause muscle strain.
  • Stress and Tension: Mental or emotional stress can lead to muscle tightness, especially in the neck.
  • Chronic Use of the Neck Muscles: Repetitive tasks or frequent tilting or turning of the neck can lead to muscle fatigue.

Potentially Serious Causes of Neck Pain

In some cases, neck pain may indicate a more severe problem:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression of nerves in the neck can cause pain that radiates down the arm.
  • Herniated Discs: A slipped disc in the cervical spine can cause severe pain and restricted movement.
  • Infections or Tumors: Rare, but tumors or infections in the neck can cause intense pain and require immediate attention.

Why Imaging is Necessary

Imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds is critical to diagnosing the exact cause of your neck pain. Without imaging, treatments like painkillers, exercise, or massage may not effectively address the underlying issue. Imaging ensures that treatments are properly targeted to the specific cause of your pain.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we offer quick, affordable imaging services that can help confirm your diagnosis in under one working day. If your treatments haven’t worked, we also provide a $50 second opinion consultation to explore more effective options.

Why Choose Us?

  • Non-invasive solutions for long-lasting relief
  • Quick, affordable imaging for accurate diagnosis
  • Medisave and insurance-friendly options

Visit Us If You Are:

  • Frustrated with treatments that haven’t worked
  • Looking for a faster diagnosis with clear imaging
  • Considering a second opinion before surgery