Causes and Remedies of Neck Strain

Neck strain is not a serious condition or injury but it requires proper care as any kind of pain and dysfunction can cause significant discomfort. Neck sprain or a strain in the neck muscle is the most common reason behind neck pain. Neck pain is less common than lower back pain but people do experience it at some point in their lives.

The different kinds of neck pains include:

a. Acute neck pain
b. Neck pain that radiates down the arm
c. Neck pain that occurs due to certain positions or activities
d. Arm pain as a result of lack of coordination
e. Persistent and fluctuating neck pain that lasts for months
f. Neck pain that is the worst in the morning and at night

The anatomical structure of the cervical spine is so good that it keeps the spinal cord well protected, provides a strong support to the head, and allows for great mobility and motion. However, this flexibility of the spine also makes it susceptible to injury. Neck strain is attributed to a number of activities that strain the neck muscles.

a. Spending a lot of time in an awkward position – sitting in a hunched back position or craning the neck for too long.
b. Sleeping in an awkward position that strains the neck – using a pillow that too hard or big.
c. Carrying heavy objects around using only one side of the body – lifting a heavy suitcase, etc.
d. Any trauma that badly impacts the neck – a car accident or a fall



Most of these incidents lead to neck pains that stiffen the neck or result in pain in the shoulder muscle. There are however a number of remedies that can rectify the problem. Most strains that are minor in nature can heal within a short period of time.

Below are some effective remedies that can help alleviate the pain.

1. Applying ice packs that reduce neck inflammation and promote self-healing. These packs can be applied at a twenty minute gap during the initial twenty four hours.
2. Applying heat is also therapeutic. Heat helps bring the nutrient-rich blood to the strained area and allow it to heal.
3. Over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate pain and heal the strain.
4. Gentle massaging can stimulate the blood circulation in the affected area and begin to heal it.

In case the symptoms and pain persists for long – more than two to three days – then it is advised to visit a doctor immediately. In a scenario of an accident, it is recommended to get a full body examination to rule out the possibilities of complications. But for most neck strains, with appropriate care and self-healing remedies, and further strain can be avoided.

About Author:
Douglas Roberts MD is the rheumatologist and founder of PainSpot.com. PainSpot is dedicated to providing you with information about your pain and help you with an easy-to-use website to find relief from your pain.