1. They Begin Almost Immediately After a Strain
"Cold" muscles are particularly vulnerable to strain, though a pull can occur almost any time a muscle is placed under stress. If you feel a sudden onset of discomfort after you have turned your head quickly, lifted a heavy object or held your neck in an awkward position, chances are you have pulled a neck muscle.
2. Initially, You Will Feel Pain or Discomfort
Right after you pull a neck muscle, you will feel a sharp or jabbing pain in the area. The pain is usually localized, or only in the area where the pull occurred. The skin over the muscle may feel warm to the touch, as a pull actually tears parts of the muscle fibers. As blood rushes to the area, temperature goes up. If you place your hand over the part of your neck that hurts, you may notice that it is hotter than the rest of your neck. If pressure to the area causes an increase in pain that subsides when released, this is a good indication that the muscle has been pulled.
3. A Pulled Neck Muscle Has Limited Motion
When you pull a muscle, you are actually tearing a portion of the muscle fibers. Because of this damage, the neck muscle will not be functioning at full capacity and will not have full range of motion. If you are unable to completely turn your neck from side to side, or if it is difficult to move your head up and down, you have definitely pulled a neck muscle.
4. Ice or Anti-Inflammatories Offer Relief
Following a muscle pull, the surrounding area becomes swollen as fluids rush in to begin the healing process. You may even notice this visually. If applying ice to the area offers relief, or you get relief from taking ibuprofen, then chances are you have swelling caused by a muscle pull, especially if the relief lasts for hours. Heat may also relieve the pain caused by a pulled neck muscle. However, the pain will usually return when the heat is removed. Heat may also increase discomfort as it can increase swelling and is not advised after a suspected muscle pull.
5. Rest Makes It Feel Better
If allowing your neck to relax and recover helps the pain to subside, then your pulled neck-muscle diagnosis was correct. However, if pain and swelling does not go away after icing or a few days of rest, then your condition may be more serious. In this case, you should consult your doctor.
