Cramping Neck Pain With Residual Symptoms

According to ahealthyme.com, 13 percent of Americans experience neck pain at any given time. Neck pain can cause frustration and cause problems with getting a good night's rest, leading to increased strain in the body. Fortunately, most neck pain is not serious and is preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes, self care and medical help.

Features

• Cramping neck pains often come on suddenly but take several days or longer to go away, according to ahealthyme.com. Residual symptoms of cramping neck pain, such as stiffness, achiness and difficulty with movement can linger and interfere with normal daily activities. Emotional stress can increase the intensity of cramping neck pain and extend the duration of residual symptoms, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Identification

• Doctors diagnose cramping neck pain and residual symptoms by conducting a physical exam. In addition, diagnostic tests such as x-rays, computerized tomorgraphy (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to detect nerve damage and bone disorders. Blood tests and spinal taps to check for signs of infection can provide further information to identify the causes of cramping neck pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Causes

• Cramping neck pain with lingering symptoms often results from a chronic condition such as arthritis. Sitting or standing with poor posture is another cause of cramping neck pain, especially among those who sit at a computer for many hours daily. Other common causes of cramping neck pain with residual symptoms include infections such as meningitis; injuries from a fall or auto accident; and bone disorders of the spine such as herniated disks or bone spurs.

Treatments

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce cramping neck pain and residual symptoms, according to the National Library of Medicine. Moderate to severe pain might require prescription pain relievers or muscle relaxants; injections of corticosteroids or numbing medications might also help treat this pain. Therapies such as stretching, massage, chiropractic care or acupuncture are additional treatment options for cramping neck pain and residual symptoms such as aches and stiffness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Prevention/Solution

• Take breaks when working at a computer, driving or standing for long periods of time. The National Library of Medicine says to use a head set when on the phone, hold documents at eye level and make sure that chairs, monitors and steering wheels are ergonomically functional. The Mayo Clinic advises to stretch the shoulders and neck frequently and maintain good posture when sitting or walking to avoid straining the muscles of the neck.

Warning

• Neck cramps accompanied by shooting pains into the shoulder or arm could be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. If neck cramps are accompanied by residual symptoms that include bladder or bowel changes, numbness or weakness in the hands or arms, seek medical care as these might be signs of a serious health problem.