A torn neck muscle may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain in the neck area . You may have a limited range of motion or feel a dull, achy pain in the neck area. Other common symptoms of a torn neck muscle include localized swelling, soreness, “knots”, stiffness, or weakness.
How long does it take for a strained neck muscle to heal?
Recovery from a neck sprain or strain
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 know if you pulled a muscle in your neck?
Pain, tingling, numbness , and/or weakness that radiates down into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Headache or dizziness. Visual problems or sensitivity to bright lights. Neck instability.
Can you tear a muscle in your neck?
A neck strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle or tendon stretches too far and tears. This injury, also called a pulled muscle, can vary in intensity depending on the tear’s size and location.
How do I know if my neck injury is serious?
- 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.
How do you fix a pulled neck muscle?
- Apply heat or ice to the painful area. ...
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Keep moving, but avoid jerking or painful activities. ...
- Do slow range-of-motion exercises, up and down, side to side, and from ear to ear.
Should you massage a pulled neck muscle?
Gently rub the area to relieve pain and help with blood flow. Do not massage the area if it hurts to do so. Do not do anything that makes the pain worse.
How should I sleep with a pulled neck muscle?
- sleeping on your back slightly reclined.
- sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees.
- sleeping in the fetal position.
- sleeping with a pillow between your knees.
What helps a stiff neck in 60 seconds?
- Step 1: Find the sore spot. ...
- Step 2: Push into the knot with your fingers, using firm pressure. ...
- Step 3: Turn your head slightly in the direction opposite the cramp, and bend it diagonally, as if you were trying to touch your armpit with your chin. ...
- Step 4: Repeat steps 1 through 3 about 20 times in a row.
How long can a neck strain last?
Most symptoms of neck sprain will go away in 4 to 6 weeks . However, severe injuries may take longer to heal completely.
How should I sleep with a sore neck?
What is the best sleeping position for neck pain? Two sleeping positions are easiest on the neck: on your side or on your back . If you sleep on your back, choose a rounded pillow to support the natural curve of your neck, with a flatter pillow cushioning your head.
What is the most common neck injury?
Trauma, such as from a broken neck, neck sprain, or whiplash , is the most common cause of neck injury. Car and other motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports-related impact are examples of trauma. They may cause soft tissue injuries to the neck muscles, or fractures of the spine.
When should I go to the ER for neck pain?
Get to an emergency room immediately if your neck pain occurs with symptoms such as: Fever or chills . Severe, persistent headache . Nausea or vomiting .
When should I worry about neck injury?
One of the more concerning possible symptoms of neck injuries is tingling and numbness in limbs . If you start to feel a numbing sensation or that “pins and needles” feeling in your arms or legs after a neck injury, then it’s best to consult a doctor.
What are signs of a head neck or back injury?
- Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back.
- Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body.
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Can you pull a neck muscle from vomiting?
Depending on how much you’ve been vomiting, you may have strained a muscle in your neck and you could also be dehydrated which could trigger a headache.
