Pulled Neck Muscle – Can’t Turn Your Head? Here’s What You Need to Know

What is a Pulled Neck Muscle?

A pulled neck muscle occurs when the muscles in the neck are stretched or torn beyond their normal range of motion. Medically, this can result from overuse, poor posture, sudden movements, or even stress. A pulled neck muscle can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to turn your head, which affects both your mobility and daily activities.

Symptoms of Pulled Neck Muscle

You may experience the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the neck that makes it difficult to turn your head
• Stiffness or tightness in the neck area
• Pain that worsens with movement or after long periods of sitting
• Muscle spasms in the neck or shoulders
• Headaches or discomfort that radiates into the shoulders or upper back

Common Causes of Pulled Neck Muscle

A pulled neck muscle can be caused by various factors, including:

• Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with improper posture for long periods can strain the neck muscles.
• Sudden Movements: Jerking or turning the head too quickly can cause muscle strain.
• Overuse: Repetitive activities or long hours spent in front of a computer screen can stress the neck.
• Stress: Mental or emotional stress can cause muscle tension, contributing to neck pain.
• Injury: Whiplash or other neck injuries from accidents can lead to muscle strains.

Potentially Serious Causes of Neck Pain

While most cases of a pulled neck muscle aren’t dangerous, some serious causes should be considered:

• Cervical Disc Issues: Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease can lead to pain and restricted movement.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve compression in the neck can cause shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that affects the arms.
• Spinal Injuries: Serious injuries, such as fractures or tumors in the cervical spine, can cause neck pain and should be treated immediately.

The Importance of Imaging

Without imaging, it’s difficult to determine the exact cause of your neck pain. X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are essential to confirm whether the pain is due to a muscle strain, disc problem, or something more serious. Without clear imaging, treatments such as painkillers, physiotherapy, or massage might not be as effective, leading to frustration and prolonged suffering.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we offer quick, cost-effective imaging to confirm your diagnosis within one working day. If your previous treatments haven’t worked, we also provide a $50 second opinion consultation to explore more effective options.

Why Choose Us?

• Non-invasive treatments focused on relieving your pain
• Timely imaging services for a precise diagnosis
• Insurance-friendly and Medisave options to help with treatment costs

Visit Us If You Are:

• Frustrated with ineffective treatments
• Looking for a fast, accurate diagnosis through imaging
• Seeking a second opinion before considering surgery