Bananas are a healthy snack; they are low in fat and cholesterol and high in essential vitamins and minerals. If you suffer from frequent muscle pain, such as neck pain, you may have another reason to add bananas to your daily diet. The high levels of potassium in bananas and other foods may restore electrolyte balance and relieve painful muscle contraction. In combination with rest and proper hydration, bananas can help provide a simple and effective cure for some types of neck pain.
Causes
Neck pain is often caused by muscle strain. Overuse injuries may occur when you spend long periods of time sitting at the computer or grasping a steering wheel. In addition, the joints of your neck may be affected by arthritis. Arthritis typically occurs with age and may cause pain in the neck area. Nerve compression, such as a herniated disk in the spinal column, may also produce pain. Other causes of neck pain are injury and, more rarely, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis and cancer.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntary and painful contractions of muscles. When neck pain is caused by muscle cramps, you may be able to find relief through a variety of self-care approaches. Low levels of certain minerals, particularly potassium or calcium, can trigger muscle spasms. The effects may become worse when you are dehydrated. Exercising in hot weather can trigger muscle pain during or after you work out.
Foods to Restore Minerals
Increasing your consumption of potassium-rich foods may help relieve neck muscle cramps and pain. Foods high in potassium include bananas, baked potato with skin, prunes, orange juice, tomatoes and raisins. The adequate daily intake level of potassium is 4,700 mg for adults. Athletes may need to pay close attention to their potassium intake to avoid muscle pain. One banana can replace the amount of potassium lost during one to two hours of exercise. A medium-size banana has 422 mg of potassium.
When to See a Doctor
Often, neck pain can be managed by a combination of rest and self-care. If your pain does not respond or becomes worse, you should contact your doctor. Occasionally, neck pain may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Seek emergency medical attention if neck pain is accompanied by shooting pain down your arm or into your shoulder region. You should also seek medical care if you experience numbness or loss of muscle strength in your arms or hands. If your neck pain is so severe that you cannot touch your chin to your chest, seek medical help. Changes to bowel or bladder habits can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
