Imagine a day when every turn of your head brings a wince of discomfort or even downright pain. That's a day when the everyday task of checking your blind spot while driving or simply nodding in agreement becomes a herculean effort. If you've ever experienced a neck strain, you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, pain management doctors are skilled in diagnosing and treating these issues, helping you to regain your freedom and comfort. This comprehensive guide will delve into the causes, symptoms and treatments of neck strain.

Highlighting the Causes of Neck Strain

Neck strain can be a result of a multitude of factors. One of the most common causes is excessive or prolonged muscle use.

Trapezius Muscle

• The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle that extends down the back of the neck and upper spine.

• It controls the movements of the head and shoulder blade and helps in shrugging, turning the head and side-to-side neck movements.

• Prolonged, repetitive activities like typing or looking down at your phone can place undue stress on the trapezius, causing it to tighten or become strained.

• This tension can result in a dull ache, stiffness or severe pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back, often causing headaches and difficulty moving the neck.

Levator Scapulae Muscle

• As the name suggests, the levator scapulae muscle is primarily responsible for lifting the scapula or shoulder blade.

• This muscle runs along either side of the neck, from the upper vertebrae to the top of the shoulder blade.

• Like the trapezius, the levator scapulae can also become strained through overuse or repetitive activity, especially lifting the shoulders or bending the neck to one side.

• When strained, the levator scapulae can cause pain and stiffness along the side and back of the neck, sometimes extending to the shoulder.

Learn More About Sprain Symptoms

The symptoms of neck strain or sprain can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury.

Collision or Fall

Neck strain or sprain can occur due to a sudden impact or force, such as in a collision or fall. This sudden movement can cause the neck to jerk or twist unnaturally, leading to muscle, tendon or ligament damage. There are common instances, like car accidents or sports injuries, where the incident's force directly impacts the neck, leading to immediate pain and stiffness.

Repetitive Motion on Neck

Repetitive motion involving constant looking down or maintaining an awkward position while working can strain the neck muscles over time. This strain may not lead to immediate pain but can cause chronic discomfort if not addressed.

Tenderness

Tenderness is a common symptom of neck strain or sprain. You may feel discomfort or pain when touching or applying pressure to certain neck areas, indicating inflammation or damage to the muscles, tendons or ligaments.

Shoulder Pain

Neck strain or sprain often doesn't limit its effects to the neck. Given the interconnected nature of the muscles and nerves, pain can radiate or refer to other areas, such as the shoulders, leading to discomfort in those regions.

"When shoulder pain is a dreadful plight, seek relief and make it take flight."

Headache

Headaches, particularly tension-type headaches, are often associated with neck strain. The strained neck muscles can cause pain to radiate to the head, leading to persistent headaches.

Stiff Sensation

A stiff sensation or reduced flexibility in the neck is a common symptom. This discomfort can make it difficult to move the head in specific directions and severely limit daily activities.

Limited Motion

Similarly, limited motion or range of movement is another common symptom. You may find it challenging to nod or turn your head due to the pain or stiffness.

Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasms, where the muscles in the neck contract involuntarily, can cause intense pain. These spasms are usually the body's response to injury or inflammation.

Low Concentration

Chronic or severe pain can affect concentration levels. The constant discomfort can make it challenging to focus on tasks, affecting productivity and daily functioning.

Chronic Pain

If left untreated, acute neck strain or sprain can become chronic pain lasting 12 weeks or more. Chronic pain can significantly affect the quality of life, making it paramount to promptly seek treatment from pain management doctors near you.

A Few Recommended Treatments Offered by Pain Management Doctors

Pain management physicians offer a broad range of neck strain and sprain treatments, depending on the severity and the patient's overall health condition.

• A neck brace is ideal for mild cases to support the muscles and alleviate pain.

• Massages and physical therapy can promote healing, improve mobility and reduce pain by relaxing strained muscles and improving blood circulation.

• Facet injections, a minimally invasive procedure, can provide substantial pain relief by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the painful facet joints in the neck.

• Applying heat and ice can help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort, while specific stretches and yoga exercises can improve flexibility and strength.

• More advanced techniques like interventional therapy, which uses nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation, are also available.

• In rare cases, surgery may be mandatory if conservative treatments do not yield satisfactory results.

Like many other places, pain management in OKC focuses on a comprehensive and individualized approach, as the treatment must tailor to the patient's specific needs and lifestyle.

Stop Straining, Start Gaining with Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers

With Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, you're never alone in your journey toward a pain-free life. Our team of dedicated pain management doctors in OKC provides personalized care, guiding you through every treatment step. We stand with you, from understanding your symptoms to exploring various therapeutic options.

Don't let neck strain take the wheel. Empower yourself with the correct information, make necessary lifestyle changes and seek timely professional help. After all, a healthy 'city of intricacies' paves the way for a fulfilling life.

**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.