What are the symptoms of a pulled muscle in your neck?

Symptoms

• Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement.
• Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately.
• Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder.
• Headache in the back of the head.
• Increased irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

How do you treat a strained neck muscle?

Basic self-help takes care of most routine neck pain flare-ups:

1. Use cold to numb the early acute pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control mild to moderate pain.
3. Use a neck collar for short periods to rest the painful muscles and tissues and ease your discomfort.

What is the best treatment for neck strain?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day.

How long does it take for a strained neck muscle to heal?

It takes anywhere between 3-4 weeks for a neck strain to heal completely. Abstaining from activities that may aggravate the condition is advised for a few days for people with neck strain.

What are symptoms of severe neck strain?

Common symptoms of neck strains and sprains include: Neck pain, throbbing, tenderness, or localized swelling. Neck stiffness or limited range of pain-free movement. Neurological symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in the arms, shoulders, or hands. Neck cramps or spasms.

What is the best treatment for neck muscle pain?

NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are commonly employed in treatments for neck pain and radiating or radicular neck pain. These neck pain medications are used due to the combination analgesic effects and the ability to decrease inflammation.

How do you treat a pulled muscle in the neck?

Pulled Muscle in the Neck Treatment. Get plenty of rest for the first few days after injury. It is important to keep the neck as stationary as possible. Apply ice to your neck four to five times daily, 10 to 25 minutes at a time. This helps reduce the inflammation and pain.