How to Relieve a Neck Muscle Spasm

Your neck spasm may indicate that your neck has moved in ways it shouldn’t, and your tense muscles probably need a rest. One way to relax is to lie on your back with a cervical pillow or neck roll under your head and a pillow under your knees. Play calming music or a podcast to help pass the time as you relax.

Dystonia

Dystonia is the name for uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements (spasms). It’s usually a lifelong problem, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have dystonia

Dystonia can affect your whole body or just 1 part. It can start at any age.

Symptoms of dystonia include:

• uncontrolled muscle cramps and spasms
• parts of your body twisting into unusual positions – such as your neck being twisted to the side or your feet turning inwards
• shaking (tremors)
• uncontrolled blinking

The symptoms may be continuous or come and go. They may be triggered by things like stress or certain activities.

What can trigger dystonia symptoms

• tiredness
• stress
• drinking alcohol or caffeine
• talking
• eating or chewing
• activities like writing, typing or playing an instrument

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you think you might have dystonia

Dystonia is uncommon, but it’s best to get the symptoms checked out.

How dystonia is diagnosed

If your GP thinks you could have dystonia, they’ll refer you to a specialist called a neurologist for tests.

To diagnose dystonia, a neurologist may:

• ask about your symptoms
• ask about any other conditions you have and any medicines you’re taking
• ask if anyone else in your family has dystonia (sometimes it can be inherited)
• carry out some blood and urine tests
• arrange a brain scan to look for any problems

If you’re diagnosed with dystonia, your neurologist can tell you which type you have and what your treatment options are.

Types of dystonia

There are several different types of dystonia, which affect different areas of the body.

Main types of dystonia

Most of the body

Arms, neck and torso

Cervical dystonia (torticollis)

Voice box (larynx)

Task-specific dystonia (writer’s cramp)

Hands, arms and wrists

Lower face, mouth, tongue or jaw

Treatments for dystonia

Treatment can help relieve the symptoms of dystonia. The best option for you depends on the type of dystonia you have.

The main treatments for dystonia are:

• injections of a medicine called botulinum toxin directly into the affected muscles – these need to be repeated about every 3 months
• medicine to relax the muscles in a larger part of your body – given as tablets or injections into a vein
• a type of surgery called deep brain stimulation

Surgery for dystonia

Deep brain stimulation is the main type of surgery for dystonia. It may be offered on the NHS if other treatments do not help.

It involves inserting a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin of your chest or tummy.

The device sends electrical signals along wires placed in the part of the brain that controls movement.

Living with dystonia

Dystonia affects people in different ways. The severity of symptoms can vary from one day to another.

It can have a big effect on your life and make daily activities painful and difficult.

It’s usually a lifelong condition. It may get worse for a few years but then remain steady. Occasionally, it can improve over time.

Information:

You can get support if you live with dystonia from Dystonia UK.

Causes of dystonia

Dystonia is caused by a problem with the part of the brain that controls movement.

Often it’s not known why this happens.

Sometimes it can be due to:

• an inherited genetic problem
• a side effect of certain medicines, such as antipsychotic medicines and anti-sickness medicines
• Parkinson’s disease
• a stroke
• cerebral palsy
• multiple sclerosis

Page last reviewed: 16 May 2024
Next review due: 16 May 2027

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How to Relieve a Neck Muscle Spasm

A neck spasm occurs when your neck muscles suddenly, involuntarily tighten. Your neck becomes painful and stiff, likely affecting the ability to turn your head. An awkward neck movement or stress-related muscle tension is often what triggers a neck spasm. Here’s a quick guide to relieving the pain.

• Stretch
• Get a massage
• Consider NSAIDs
• Apply cold/heat therapy
• Relax
• When to See Your Doctor

Stretch

Try to relax your spasming neck muscles. Stretching may be an effective method to loosen and soften your muscles, which tighten and seize up during a spasm.

Perform a stretch that lengthens your lateral neck muscles. One way to do this is to keep your shoulders in place and tilt your ear toward your shoulder until you feel a stretch in the side of your neck. If a certain movement causes more pain, stop it and gently try a different movement.

Get a massage

Massage therapy can help you relax, which may calm your tight muscles and ease the pain from your neck spasm. Gentle pressure placed on the stiff, tender points in your neck may release tension from the constricted muscles, providing relief and restoring range of motion to your neck.

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Consider NSAIDs

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain brought on by a neck spasm. These medications won’t treat the underlying problems that may have triggered your neck spasm, but they can provide quick-acting first aid to reduce pain.

Before using any medication, carefully read the warning label. If you’re already taking a medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using another medication.

Apply cold/heat therapy

Cold therapy can reduce local inflammation, which may help relieve pain from your neck spasm. Fill a plastic bag with ice and some water and wrap it in a thin towel, then press it against the painful area on your neck.

You may also find relief through heat therapy. Apply a heating pad, switched on a low setting, to the tender area of your neck. If you prefer, stand in the shower with a gentle stream of warm water hitting your neck. The warmth can increase blood flow to the affected area, relax muscles, and soothe your pain.

When applying ice or heat, limit applications to about 15 minutes every 2 hours to reduce the risk for skin damage.

Relax

Your neck spasm may indicate that your neck has moved in ways it shouldn’t, and your tense muscles probably need a rest. One way to relax is to lie on your back with a cervical pillow or neck roll under your head and a pillow under your knees. Play calming music or a podcast to help pass the time as you relax.

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When to See Your Doctor

Most neck spasms occur because of a sudden muscle strain and should clear up within a week. Pain that persists or gets worse may indicate an underlying spinal problem, such as osteoarthritis or herniated disc. For any unexplained neck pain that does not start to feel better within a week or so, visit your doctor. If your neck pain is accompanied by a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, arm numbness/weakness, or other troubling symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more:

Dr. Larry Parker is an orthopedic surgeon at the Spine Center at TOC in Huntsville, AL. Dr. Parker has specialized in spine surgery for more than 25 years. He has given several scientific presentations and published numerous papers in medical journals.

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