Kink In The Neck

A kink in the neck is a common occurrence these days. This is on account of workplace habits, hectic lifestyles and food preferences too. It can be caused by a spinal condition, overexerted and strained muscles, an injury, the use of a soft mattress, arthritis, incorrect body posture, sudden jerks in the neck, or holding one’s neck in the same position for a long time. Stress and anxiety also play a role as they are psychological causes which trigger muscle tension, thereby reducing blood supply and therefore causing pain.

Neck Pain Treatment: Treatment depends on the type of injury you have. Certain home remedies that help are:

• Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on the place where the spasm is most painful for about half an hour. Do this throughout the day for lasting relief from the pain.

• Take a hot shower as the warm water will help to reduce muscle tension .

• Make a poultice out of cloves and apply it to your neck before you go to bed.

• Rub on a thick paste of either ginger pulp with water or dry ginger powder with water to the area. Ginger juice can be used too.

• Simple neck exercises like moving your neck slowly from left to right and vice versa or moving your head up and down. Make sure that you do these exercises slowly or else you will place additional stress on the injured muscles and nerves.

• Hold light weights (3- 5 pounds) in your hands while shrugging your shoulders. Keep your arms straight.

• Use an ice pack – this can also help swelling.

• Sleep on a firm mattress.

• Do not sleep on your stomach. The fetal position (lie on your side with your knees towards your chest) is the best one.

• Try sleeping flat for a few hours -without a pillow.

• Rub a mentholated cream or balm on your neck and then wrap your neck firmly with a woolen scarf or use a warm compress instead.

• Use a neck support collar as this prevents jerks and keeps the neck in an upright position.

• Walk – this alleviates stress and also improves blood circulation which lessens the pain.

• A rolled up towel placed against the small of your back will align your spine and give additional support.

• Get up and walk around if you have a desk job.  Your neck needs a break from constant sitting.

• Keep your chin up and avoid keeping your head lowered while reading or working at a desk.

• Relax – being tense or stressed will make the muscles tighten and will increase the risk of mucle spasms.

• Maintain a good posture.

The above remedies should help but if the problem persists, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.