Pulled Neck Muscle – Can’t Turn Your Head? Here’s How to Get Relief

What is a Pulled Neck Muscle?

A pulled neck muscle, or muscle strain, occurs when the muscles or tendons in your neck are stretched or torn. This condition is often caused by sudden movements, poor posture, or overuse, resulting in pain and difficulty moving your neck. Medically, a pulled neck muscle is a common injury, especially in individuals with physically demanding jobs or those who spend long hours sitting at desks.

Symptoms of Pulled Neck Muscle

The most common symptoms of a pulled neck muscle include:

• Pain in the neck that makes it difficult to turn your head
• Stiffness or tightness in the neck, especially after prolonged periods of sitting
• Muscle spasms or tension in the neck area
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or hands
• Pain that radiates to the upper back or shoulders

What Causes a Pulled Neck Muscle?

Several factors can lead to a pulled neck muscle, such as:

• Poor Posture: Spending long hours sitting or looking at screens without proper posture can strain the neck muscles.
• Sudden Movements: A quick turn of the neck or jerking movements during exercise or physical activity can result in a strain.
• Chronic Stress: Mental or emotional stress can cause the neck muscles to tighten, leading to discomfort.
• Overuse: Repetitive activities that involve tilting or turning the neck can lead to muscle fatigue and strain.

Potentially Serious Causes of Neck Pain

While a pulled neck muscle is usually not a severe issue, it can sometimes be caused by more serious conditions, including:

• Cervical Disc Herniation: A slipped disc can cause nerve compression, leading to pain that radiates down the arm.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Pinched nerves in the neck can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the arms.
• Spinal Infections or Tumors: Rare, but infections or tumors in the cervical spine can cause intense pain and should be treated immediately.

The Importance of Imaging

Imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds, is essential for determining the exact cause of your neck pain. Without clear imaging, treatments such as physiotherapy or medications may not address the root cause, resulting in continued discomfort.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we offer cost-effective imaging that delivers results in under one working day. If you’ve tried other treatments that haven’t worked, we provide a $50 second opinion consultation to explore better treatment options.

Why Choose Us?

• Non-invasive treatments designed to target the root cause of your pain
• Quick, affordable imaging for accurate diagnosis
• Medisave and insurance-covered fees

Visit Us If You Are:

• Frustrated with ineffective treatments
• Seeking a faster diagnosis with clear imaging
• Looking for a second opinion before considering surgery