Neck pain brought on by pulled muscles usually responds well to home treatment. Patients can best monitor and manage their progress in cases of simple muscular injuries. Doctors may suggest supervised physical therapy as well. While moderate pain and inflammation need around-the-clock care, neck muscle strains rarely require hospitalization. As such, self-care by patients represents the preferred care method, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Muscle trauma incurred during automobile accidents or serious falls, however, will likely warrant medical treatment.
Function
A pulled muscle occurs when too much force causes muscle tissue fiber to separate, tearing partially or fully. The resulting rift in tissue weakens it and affects muscle function. Bleeding and swelling may occur in the immediate area, causing neck pain, the NYU Langone Medical Center reports. Patients must gear home treatment toward pain relief and aid to cellular repair and rehabilitation.
Identification
Patients may attribute neck pain or soreness that is contained in a local area and that arises after unusual physical exertion to a pulled muscle. The UMMC suggests that symptoms of extreme pain when the neck is not in motion or numbness that radiates to the arm, may reflect bone or nerve injury. Patients should seek a correct medical diagnosis prior to beginning home treatment or physical therapy, to rule out spinal damage. Identifying the extent of neck muscle strain will guide treatment toward a successful recovery.
Features
Treating neck muscle strain includes rest, anti-inflammatory measures, stretching and exercising the neck. The American Physical Therapy Association notes that a soft cervical collar can aid in support temporarily. Taking the weight stress off the neck allows the body to direct more energy to renewing the torn muscle tissue.
Solution
MayoClinic.com suggests lying down to rest several times a day, perhaps using a cervical pillow for optimum neck posture. Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen will relieve inflammation as well as neck pain. Patients can alternate cold pack and hot pack applications to complement their drug therapies. Range-of-motion stretches should precede strengthening exercises in order for patients to achieve a full recovery.
Time Frame
A pulled muscle in the neck will usually heal on its own with home treatment and an exercise program. Extensive muscle tears, however, or damage to the vertebrae or nerves in the cervical area of the spine, may need surgical intervention. The APTA reports that it may take patients several weeks to several months to become pain free and to regain fitness.
