Neck Muscle Pain

Neck Muscle Pain is usually felt in the trapezius, splenius, sternocleidomastoid, scalene and levator scapulae muscles. Muscular pain in the neck can affect the ability to move the head and the arms. Headaches are also a common side effect of muscular cervical pain. Additional information on cervical symptoms can be found in my NECK PAIN section.

Neck Muscle Pain Symptoms

* The main symptom of muscular neck injury is Pain. The muscles of the neck can be very painful when injured. The pain might be steady or come and go depending on the extent of injury. The pain is often made worse when the patient performs certain movements or activities.

* Muscle spasm is not very common in neck injuries. Muscle spasm is when the muscle contracts violently and uncontrollably. This condition is similar to a “Charlie Horse”. Sometimes, the muscles of the upper back can go into spasm due to a neck muscle injury.

* Muscle tightness or stiffness is also common. There might be a “pulling” or abnormal “stretching” feeling when the neck muscles are used. This feeling is most common when reaching for something with the arms or when turning, raising, or lowering the head.

* Headaches may accompany neck muscle injuries. Headache pain can actually be worse than the muscle pain in some cases.

Recommendation for Neck Muscle Pain

Neck muscle injuries are relatively common, since our heavy heads place a lot of stress on the neck. Whiplash injuries and falls are 2 of the most common forms of neck muscle injuries. If you are suffering from muscular neck pain, relax. Muscle pain is aggravated by worry and emotional stress. Have faith that the pain will subside soon. Take time to allow the injury to heal, but make sure to carefully use the muscles. Keeping the muscles immobile for too long will weaken them and actually make it harder for them to heal.