Neck Spasm
About Neck Spasm
A neck spasm is the involuntary contraction of neck muscles. Having neck spasms can be extremely painful and cause headaches and dizziness.
What Causes Neck Spasms?
The following are some of the most common causes of neck spasms:
- Poor posture
- Extended periods spent in front of a computer
- Repeated movements of the neck (Repetitive Strain Injury)
- Neck and shoulder sprain (i.e. Putting too much weight on one shoulder when carrying a bag)
- Stress
External causes of neck spasms and stiffness are often injury or trauma related. After a neck sprain, most of them will recover without any sequelae. A small percentage may persist and progress to chronic neck spasms. Neck muscles have bursa which may be inflamed from overuse syndrome, resulting in bursitis.
Neck spasms may also be caused by more serious causes, such as:
- Spinal stenosis
- Whiplash or other trauma
- Herniated disk
- Cervical Dystonia
- Meningitis
- TMJ
Some neck spasms such as dystonia may be due to over-activity of the nerves supplying the surrounding neck. In certain neck spasms, it may be due to degeneration of the brain, causing aberration of nerve function such as Parkinson’s disease. Rheumatism and Fibromyalgia are part of systemic conditions that can present primarily as neck spasms.
Symptoms Of Neck Spasm
Pain
Other Symptoms
A Message About Neck Pain
A neck spasm may be a condition arising from the surrounding neck muscles or its cause coming from the cervical spine. One must exclude cervical slipped disc or bone spur causing nerve compression resulting in neck spasms. Addressing the underlying condition such as decompression of the impinged nerve will provide relief from neck spasms. For these conditions, Nucleoplasty and Neuroplasty will address the underlying nerve compression from the slipped disc.
Many neck conditions as well as systemic diseases can cause neck stiffness and spasm. Less well-known causes such as Parkinson’s, Rheumatism, and Fibromyalgia can also cause distressing neck spasms and related symptoms. Cervical dystonia is a condition where the cause of neck stiffness and spasms is unknown but associated with neck torticollis and involuntary contraction of neck muscles. In recurring conditions, the use of Botox injections may be needed to provide interval relief and focus on rehabilitation thereafter.
Diagnosing Neck Spasm
Here at Singapore Paincare, our team of experienced primary care doctors and pain care specialists will evaluate your condition. This includes a physical exam, questions about your symptoms and an evaluation of your medical history.
What Treatments Are Available for Neck Spasms?
At Singapore Paincare, we strive to treat your pain with the least invasive option possible after accurately identifying the cause. Our approach to pain resolution focuses on the removal of pain generators via specialised injection and minimally invasive procedures. Combined with pharmacological treatments and cognitive and physical rehabilitative therapies, we help patients improve their functions and prevent pain from recurring.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Neck Spasm
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs
Coreflex Injection
Physical Therapy
Botulinum Toxin Injection
Botulinum Toxin injections are given for refractory neck spasms in Cervical Dystonia, Rheumatism or Fibromyalgia. The painful neck spasm is isolated in the respective muscles such as Cervical Spinalis or Capitis Spinalis or Sternocleidomastoid and Botox are inoculated into the tight muscle spasm, stopping the spasm and contracture.
Surgical Treatments for Neck Spasm
There is no surgical treatment for neck sprains. Non-surgical methods are generally effective.
How Can I Prevent Neck Spasms?
The following tips can help you prevent having a neck spasm:
- Try to keep a good posture at all times
- Exercise and stretch regularly
- Take regular screen breaks
- Use supportive pillows
Get Your Pain Resolved
Send your enquiries or consult our pain experts today.