An ache, or pull, in a muscle of the neck can indicate overuse, happening gradually or during periods of excessive strain. Pulled muscles can develop from habitually poor posture or when accidental movements place too much force on the area, as in heavy lifting.
Sports injuries and rear-end automobile crashes can also result in severe neck strain. While most moderate injuries require only rest and pain relief, more serious damage to tissue, nerves or vertebrae may require surgical resolution.
Identification
Patients can identify acute neck injuries by the pain symptoms that immediately arise. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group adds that a popping or burning sensation may occur at the time of pulled-muscle damage.
In most chronic neck strain patients, the movement that caused the injury cannot be pinpointed. The condition will be recognized, however, by a dull ache and tightness in the muscle, rather than sharp or grating pain or numbness that expands to other areas. Cases with extreme pain symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Function
According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, when the neck is pushed, pulled or twisted too far, the muscle tissue fibers release and pull apart, sometimes separating or tearing completely. Pain will occur immediately or grow gradually until a threshold of discomfort causes patients to seek relief. The body's inflammatory response will create heat and swelling in an attempt to immobilize and protect the area.
Considerations
Vertebral degeneration in the cervical, or neck, portion of the spine can also produce pain. As the vertebrae and discs shift, they can stretch the muscles beyond their normal placement little by little. Finally, when the tissue can take no more force, a pull or tear occurs.
Solution
Patients with mildly pulled muscles can treat themselves by lying down to rest several times a day and applying cold packs, MayoClinic.com reports. Ice sessions of 20 minutes at a time reduce inflammation and afford pain relief. Over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen add to pain treatment.
Individuals with chronic neck strains may alternate ice with hot packs to ease aches and soreness. Patients should return to activity by practicing range-of-motion stretches until they gradually regain full neck muscle function.
Prevention
The circumstances that cause pulled muscles in the neck must be acknowledged in order for patients to avoid those situations in the future. For instance, holding the telephone between the neck and shoulder, carrying a heavy shoulder bag or using too much or too little pillow support at night can cause neck strain. The American Physical Therapy Association notes that recognizing and changing such postures can provide pain relief and eliminate the source of muscular injury.
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