Generally it is when the neck is injured that its many functions are realized. The anterior muscles of the neck include muscles that control the position of the mouth, tongue, larynx, and pharynx. A pull in the neck can be due to several reasons and can cause extreme pain.
Prevalence
Muscle pulls are among the most common sports injuries and can happen in just about any muscle. A muscle spasm or a pulled in the neck can take place as a tennis player hits a ball or while looking up at the ball to serve. A pulled neck is also prevalent in cyclists, who may get a stiff neck leading to muscle injury from the use of handlebars during bike races. Having the back bent low over the handlebars forces the neck to tilt forward, thus straining the neck and causing neck pain.
Causes
Over stressing the neck can lead to a pulled neck and neck pain. For instance, lifting more weight at the gym than the neck is used to can cause a pull or sprain in the neck. One of the most common causes of a pulled neck is sitting or sleeping in an uncomfortable or awkward position for a long period of time. Sleeping with an extra pillow under the head overnight can cause nagging pain in the neck the next morning.
Risk Factors
Warming up, stretching or cooling down the muscles may help lower the risk of a pulled neck. However, the neck muscle is still susceptible to strain from overuse, fatigue or taking a fall. According to MDAdvice.com, the risk of a pulled or strained neck increases with contact sports, namely wrestling and football. Further risks include decreased blood circulation, poor nutrition, lack of muscle conditioning, and obesity.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of a pulled neck can include pain, headaches, and stiffness. Tenderness around the neck area and muscle spasms may also be signs of a pulled neck. There may be noticeable reduction in the range of neck motion making it difficult to move the head from one side to the other.
Treatment
Ice packs are effective in controlling the swelling of a pulled or sprained neck. This can be done two to three times a day, along with taking an anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen. After the swelling subsides, heat can be applied to ease stiffness. As the pain begins to dissipate, light stretching exercises can help to improve the neck's flexibility. Exercise should be limited to slow rotation of the shoulders until the pain is completely gone. According to the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Spine Center, the biofeedback method--voluntary relaxation of the muscles--has proven to be effective therapy for some suffers of neck pain.
