How do you know if you pulled your neck muscle?
Neck strains are usually felt in the back of the neck, or mostly in the neck and partially in a nearby region, such as the back of the head, upper back, and/or shoulder. Achy or throbbing pain. A dull, nagging pain may persist and potentially affect sleep at night and/or concentration during the day.
How long does it take for a strained neck muscle to heal?
With proper treatment and rest, most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain within four to six weeks. If the strain or sprain is severe, it can take three months or more to fully recover.
How do you treat a strained neck muscle?
First steps to relieve neck pain
- Use cold to numb the early acute pain and reduce inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain.
- Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort.
Should I go to the doctor for a pulled neck muscle?
Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
What does a strained neck feel like?
A person with a neck sprain may experience a wide range of possible symptoms, including: Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement. Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately. Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder.
What does a sprained neck feel like?
How do you know if neck pain is serious?
Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall….Contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe.
- Persists for several days without relief.
- Spreads down arms or legs.
- Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling.
How do I know if my neck pain is serious?
How do I know if my neck injury is serious?
Some signs of a serious neck injury:
- Pain that doesn’t go away or is severe.
- Shooting pain in your arms or legs.
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs.
- Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels.
What does severe neck pain indicate?
Neck pain can last from days to years, depending on the cause. Common causes include osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, pinched nerve, mental and physical stress and strain, poor posture, tumors and other health conditions.