Prolonged exposure to drafts does not harm only seasoned people. So many complain after exposure to the body of low temperatures: I froze my neck, I can’t turn my head. To remove an unpleasant muscle spasm, it takes time and appropriate therapy. Let’s figure out what to do if your neck muscles are stuck.
The mechanism of development of complications
The primary cause of the appearance of pain in the tissues of the neck is hypothermia, in some cases an excessive, sharp physical load on the muscles. In most cases, such effects lead to spasms. The result of the latter is a violation of blood circulation in the tissues and the development of inflammatory processes, which is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms
The main symptom here is the appearance of a sharp, aching muscle pain. As the inflammatory processes develop, pain can move to the area of the shoulder blades and shoulder girdle. In the absence of proper treatment, discomfort is often felt in other parts of the upper body, for example, in the limbs. With inflammation of the muscles of the neck, it becomes not only difficult to turn your head, but also to chew, talk.
In some cases, the above symptoms disappear naturally in a few days. If there is no improvement, you should seek the help of a therapist, because without making the right diagnosis, the situation may worsen.
Drug treatment
Windy weather, cool summers, drafts - all this can lead to the emergence of quite serious pain in the muscles of the neck. Eliminate discomfort allows the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Among the most affordable, effective means, it is worth noting Ibuprofen and Ketanov. If desired, you can use other analgesics. However, it is recommended that you consult a physician before using them.
The so-called muscle relaxants may also be included in the course of drug treatment. The action of drugs in this category is aimed at reducing tension in inflamed tissues. If you extend your neck, such products will allow you to freely rotate your head, providing a relaxing effect on muscle fibers.
If pain is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, it is worth using antipyretic drugs, for example, drink aspirin. The indicated symptom may indicate the development of a viral infection. In cases where, after taking the drug, there is no improvement in the general condition, it is worth contacting a specialist.
Warming compress
An effective way to eliminate inflammation in the stiff muscles of the neck is to warm the tissues. To prepare a warming compress, it is enough to take a piece of gauze, folding it in a bandage. The material must be impregnated with an alcohol solution, vodka or other strong alcohol, which is available in the house. In this form, the compress is applied to the place where the epicenter of pain is located and is fixed with a plastic film.
As an alternative to alcohol, you can use ointments that have a warming effect on muscle tissue. A prerequisite for this is the complete isolation of the problem area from external influences. To achieve the effect as soon as possible, it is recommended to wrap the neck with a woolen scarf.
ethnoscience
If, in the event of a spasm in the neck, there is no desire to seek help in a hospital, it is worth resorting to the following methods of treatment:
- To relax overstressed muscles allows a tool based on the root of the marshmallow. The ingredient in the amount of several tablespoons is poured with boiling water, after which it is infused for 8-10 hours. The resulting composition is heated and used to prepare warm compresses.
- Caught the neck, what to do? Another effective folk remedy is heated sea salt. The latter is placed in a gauze bag, after which it is applied to the problem place.
- Compresses from cabbage leaves allow you to remove inflammation from the stiff muscles. Their surface is sprinkled with pre-grated laundry soap and a small amount of baking soda. Sheets in this form are applied to the neck and fixed with a scarf or scarf. It is recommended to apply the prepared product overnight.
Massage
Caught the neck, what to do? If there is a gradual decrease in pain, you can resort to therapeutic massage. Light pressure and stroking help improve blood circulation in the clamped muscles, cell renewal.
In this case, it is worth using the technique of acupressure. Influencing the fingertips on the epicenter of pain, you need to hold them in this position for several seconds. To achieve the effect, massage should be performed for 10-15 minutes.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a great effect on cramping neck muscles. The point effect of small needles on problem areas allows you to relieve stress. Among other things, acupuncture makes it possible to eliminate pain.
Physiotherapy
What to do if you froze your neck? What to do? Electrophoresis, exposure to muscle tissue by electromagnetic waves, and quartz heating make it possible to alleviate the general condition. These procedures make it possible to warm the inflamed area, activating the metabolic processes in the cells. Usually, during physiotherapy, pain, swelling and cramping gradually disappear throughout the week. By resorting to such therapy, relapse can be avoided.
UV warming
What to do if you have a cold neck? What to do with severe, cutting pains? In such a situation, warming the neck muscles with an ultraviolet lamp will come to the rescue. Even a short-term effect on the tissues in this way for 5 minutes helps to improve overall well-being.
How to avoid a problem?
In order not to stretch your neck, you should not be in a draft for a long time, in particular, to sit under the air conditioner. In windy, cold weather, as well as with high humidity, you need to wear a scarf. When the first symptoms of muscle inflammation appear, you should resort to gymnastics for the neck. You can avoid nerve clamping by resting in the correct position, choosing a suitable pillow for sleeping, periodically performing a massage.
Finally
The feeling of tightness in the neck muscles is not always the result of a cold. Such manifestations may indicate the development of rather serious disorders in the spine. Therefore, self-medication without first contacting a doctor is only in exceptional cases.