Physiotherapy and pain relief clinic,Nizampet road,kukatpally

NECK CRAMPS

A sharp throbbing pain in your neck which radiates downwards to your arms might signify a neck cramp. Read this article to know more about the causes and treatment for neck cramps.

NECK CRAMPS ARE VERY COMMEN NOW A DAYS, ALTHOUGH IT LOOKS SO SMALL IT CAN STOP YOU 

FIND OUT SOME CAUSES AND TREATMENT FOR NECK CRAMPS IN YOUR HOME TOO.............

To maintain our posture, the muscles of our neck and head alternatively contract and expand. When a muscle involuntary contacts and then cannot relax at once, it is known as spasm. If this spasm lasts for a longer period of time, it is known as a cramp. Cramps are characterized by extreme pain and it is more common as we age.

 Here we will discuss various causes of cramps in neck along with preventive measures and its treatment.

Causes of Neck Cramps

Neck cramps can occur due to awkward sleeping positions, a very soft or too hard mattress, or sudden movement of the neck muscles. You can also get them while yawning, bending forward.

Sleeping Position

You might suffer from a neck shoulder cramp if you sleep at an awkward position at night. Sleeping without a pillow or a very thin one can also contribute towards neck cramps.

Some people sleep in the same position for several hours. This can also contribute towards cramps in neck.

Sleeping on the side, by tucking your body causes the neck muscles to be over-flexed resulting in cramps in neck.

Bad Posture

Bad posture is an unfortunate by-product of our sedentary lifestyle.

Bad posture causes cramps and inflexibility in the body. Bad posture is also caused by defective office ergonomics. In simpler terms, it includes elements such as proper height of furniture, correct placement of the computer, lighting, etc.

Sitting with a rounded back, putting the entire weight of the body on one hip, and sitting static for prolonged period of time strains the neck and shoulder muscles, leading to neck muscle cramps.

Injury

The main reason for cramps in neck is injury

 If you have pulled the muscles of the neck or are suffering from slipped disc, spondylitis it can lead to neck cramp.

Cramps in neck might sometimes be brought about by yawning.

Any sudden and violent movement of the neck can cause the neck muscles to stiffen and cramp.

Treatment and Preventive Measures for Neck Cramps

When we sit for prolonged periods of time, which is generally the case at work, our muscles become fatigued and stressed.

Since the human body is not designed to remain static, it adversely affects our posture. 

To prevent neck cramps due to improper posture, keep your feet flat on the floor while sitting at your desk. 

 The monitor of your computer should always be placed at a distance of an arm's length, about 45 - 60 centimeters so that there is minimal strain on your eyes.

This also ensures that you don't have to constantly bend forward to read the screen. While sleeping, do not sleep in the same position for more than 40 minutes.

 Exercises increases the flexibility of the body can also cure and prevent cramps. Dehydration also causes cramps, so always drink 8 - 10 glasses of water everyday.


Consult a physiotherapist,  if cramps persist for a long time.



Neck cramp is generally not life-threatening, and with proper rest and exercises, it is possible to cure cramps.