If you’re experiencing neck cramps, you may have some sort of strain, sprain, or a muscle spasm. Another possible cause of your neck cramp, albeit rare, is GERD (gastroespophageal reflux disease.) You may experience a substantial amount of pain, headaches, or dizziness if your neck muscles around your vertebrae tighten for any reason. Here are some self-care tips that can help you get rid of neck cramps. Make sure to schedule an appointment with Spine Center of Texas if these do not work:
- Apply heat – At the first sign of neck cramps, apply dry heat using a heating pad set set on medium for 5-10 minutes. Although there are lots of things you can use to apply heat to the area, a pad is the easiest and safest choice. Heat treatment will help relax your muscles and will likely bring you a great deal of relief.
- Take over the counter medications – Advil, Aleve, or other anti-inflammatory medication can also do wonders for neck cramps.
- Identify the root cause – One of the best things you can do to help reduce your neck cramps is to identify and effectively deal with the root cause. Check if you’re sleeping in an awkward position, dealing with lots of stress, following a bad diet, or lacking exercise.
What you should do if self-care fails
If you try the self-care steps mentioned above and you’re still having neck cramps or they are getting worse, it’s time to see the doctor. Your doctor can provide you with intensified heat therapy to provide more lasting results, or recommend certain types of exercises that can strengthen your muscles. Let the experts at Spine Center of Texas help you treat your painful neck cramps. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
