Connect
Neck muscle strain
I went to a myofascial release physiotherapist for my thigh and pelvis pain/tension. He assessed me and told me I had a tight neck and started to press on both sides of my neck with his finger or thumb in the front of the neck pretty intense I guess doing a myofascial release. I told him it was too much pressure, so eased off a bit but continued to push for another minute or so. 24 hours later I felt a lump, "kink" in my neck when swallowing, then it started to throb and on 3rd day I had very tense pain on the left side of my neck. I went to ER, an ultrasound showed increased thickness of sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left and ED doctor diagnosed me with neck muscle strain and spasm. It has been almost 4 weeks since that myofascial treatment. The pain and tension improved. I have been using a red light for the last 4 days for 3 min 3 times a dya and it seems helping. What else should I be doing? Should I be stretching my neck? ER doctor told me not to stretch the neck. Thank you!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
olgah, Personally, I use Voltaren Gel and a heat pack for neck pain and soak.
Sleep with a good pillow that is not too flat or too high to aggravate your neck.
Sitting at a computer puts strain on the neck as well as looking down at a cell phone.
Praying for you. Blessings & Prayers....
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am afraid to use a heat pack, because it might increase inflammation and make pain worse. It is ok to use heat pack on the neck if your neck is just sore or tight after doing exercises. But if you have an injury like strain with inflammation, I don't think heat pack is good idea. I used Voltaren gel for few days and muscle relaxants prescription pills at the beginning. I didn't notice much improvement.
I have occipital neuralgia and severe arthritis in my neck. The doctor prescribed baclofen, a muscle relaxant, especially for the neck. I was given some stretches and other exercises to do. I use a shiatsu massager everyday, a heating pad and red light treatments.
I made an oil - jojoba and peppermint oil and rub it on my neck before I go to bed. The cooling distraction of the mint provides some relief and distraction from the pain in my neck. I use a special cervical pillow and sleep on my back.
Maybe it would be good to follow up with your PCP and see what other therapies would work for you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYour condition is different than mine of course, but the red light therapy seems to be working for me too. I used it for last 6 days and noticed big improvements compare to 3 previous weeks when I didn't use it. I am going to see a physiotherapist this week (a different one) for my neck. Thank you for your comment!