How do you relieve neck spasms?

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 neck spasm occurs when the muscles in a person's neck contract involuntarily. Neck spasms can be very painful and may cause headaches or dizziness. Fortunately, a person can usually treat a neck spasm with exercise and home remedies.

A neck spasm caused by the sudden tightening of the neck muscles may cause:

·         severe, sharp pain

·         problems moving the neck and shoulders

·         increased pain when moving the neck and shoulders

·         a headache

·         dizziness or tingling in the base of the neck

Dizziness or tingling in the base back of the neck may occur if neck muscles pull on the scalp when they spasm.

What causes neck spasms?

Neck spasms may be caused by strain due to exercise.

Neck spasms have several common causes:

·         repeated or prolonged movements of the neck

·         sitting at a computer for extended periods

·         turning suddenly while sleeping

·         placing too much weight on one shoulder with a bag

·         carrying something heavy, especially if with one arm

·         using a mobile without hands, cradling it against the neck

·         emotional stress

·         strain caused by exercise

·         poor posture

·         dehydration

There may also be a more serious reason for neck spasms, such as:

·         whiplash or other trauma

·         meningitis

·         ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory condition that affects the spine)

·         torticollis or cervical dystonia (a condition where neck spasms cause the head to twist to one side)

·         spinal stenosis

·         joint disorders that affect the jaw

·         herniated disk

Treatments

Treatment from a specialist such as a chiropractor may be recommended.

The following medical treatments may help:

·         anti-inflammatory medication

·         pain relief medication

·         muscle relaxants

·         steroid or anesthetic injections (only if other treatments have proved ineffective)

A doctor may also recommend physical therapy.

A 2017 study suggests an over-the-counter expectorant called guaifenesin may prove effective in treating neck spasms. More research is needed before doctors can recommend this treatment.

Neck pain: What does it mean?

There are many forms of neck pain, which might be mild and nothing to worry about or a sign of something more serious. Learn more about neck pain as a whole here.

What are some exercises for neck spasms?

A good way to treat neck spasms is with stretching exercises. The following may help:

Basic neck stretches

To do a basic neck stretch:

·         place your right hand on the top of your head

·         pull your head down towards the right side of the chest

·         repeat on the left side

·         repeat the exercise three times

Scalene stretch

To do a scalene stretch:

·         stand with both hands behind your back, clasping your right wrist with your left hand

·         use your left hand to pull the right arm and shoulder down

·         meanwhile, tilt your head to the left, stretching the right side of the neck

·         repeat three times on each side

Neck curl and head lift

To do a neck curl and head lift:

·         lie down as if you are about to do a sit up

·         with your hands behind your head, tuck your neck into the chest

·         then lift your head off the floor, keeping your shoulders on the floor

·         repeat five times

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Home remedies

In addition to anti-inflammatory medication, pain relief, and stretching, the following home remedies may help:

Stress management

Yoga may help to ease neck pain and relieve stress.

Stress may trigger neck spasms. Taking regular breaks from work and exercising as often as possible may help a person better manage stress.

Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation may also help.

A 2008 study found workers who participated in stress-relieving activities experienced less neck, shoulder, and back pain than those who did not.

Icing

Ice may help reduce neck spasms. Using an ice pack for 20 minutes a time, every 3 to 4 hours may help relax the neck muscles.

Moist heat

Applying moist heat to the affected area may also help with recurring neck spasms. Apply moist heat using heating pads or a damp, warm cloth.

Massage

Self or partner massage may help relieve muscle spasms. Try to use gentle to firm pressure on the neck and move fingers in circular motions.

A 2014 study found that classic massages could reduce neck pain.

Preventing neck spasms

To prevent neck spams:

·         take regular screen breaks

·         exercise regularly

·         use laptop or computer stands to adjust screen height

·         make sure office chairs promote good posture

·         improve posture with strengthening exercises, such as pilates

·         make sure to stretch at the earliest sign of neck pain

·         using supportive pillows

When to see a doctor

Meningitis can cause a stiff neck. Meningitis can be extremely dangerous, and anyone who suspects they may have meningitis should contact emergency services. The symptoms of meningitis include:

·         sudden high fever

·         chills

·         stiff neck

·         a headache

·         purple bruise-like marks on the skin

Most neck spasms have a common cause. If caused by an injury, it is essential to speak to a doctor straight away.

A person should also speak to a doctor if their symptoms are very severe or last longer than a week.

Source: MedicalNewsToday

ACDF surgery: What to expect

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nterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a surgery to reduce or eliminate chronic pain in the neck and back due to a problem with the discs.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an operation to remove a degenerative or herniated disc from the neck. After the surgeon removes the damaged disc, they fuse the bones together.

The surgery is anterior because the surgeon accesses the disc through the front of the neck, rather than through the back.

Fast facts on anterior cervical discectomy:

·      During the procedure, the surgeon operates on the cervical spinal column.

·      People with damaged discs can experience pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

·      To access the spine, a surgeon cuts a small incision in the front of the neck, at the throat.

·      ACDF offers hope to people who live with chronic pain, numbness, or low mobility.

What is ACDF surgery?

Diagram of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. 
Image credit: debivort, 2007

Between each bone of the spinal column is a cushion called an invertebral disc. These discs prevent the bones from grinding against one another and act as shock absorbers during falls, exercise, and daily activities.

Sometimes these discs become damaged, causing pain that can range from moderate to intense. An ACDF procedure may be carried out on any of the discs in between the seven cervical bones.

It is easier for the surgeon to reach the spinal column through the throat because entering through the back of the neck can harm the neck muscles and spinal column. The surgeon then moves the tissue inside the neck and throat aside to access the spine and removes any damaged discs.

To ensure that the spine is aligned and to prevent the bones of the spine from rubbing against one another, the surgery typically includes fusion of at least two bones. It is at this point during the procedure that the surgeon replaces the disc.

There are a few options for disc replacement:

·         Bone graft: A bone graft is when the surgeon attaches bone to the area to replace the disc. The bone may come from somewhere else in the person's own body, or from a bone bank.

·         Bone graft substitute: Similar to a bone graft, this approach uses human-manufactured materials that contain shavings from the person's bones.

·         Arthroplasty: This is when the surgeon replaces the disc with an artificial disc.

Once the replacement disc is in place, the surgeon uses a titanium plate and screws to attach the bones. When the surgery involves a bone graft, the bones will eventually grow together. Until that happens, the plate and screws provide stability.

An X-ray machine helps the surgeon ensure the replacement disc is in the right place. After the procedure, the surgeon moves the tissue of the neck and throat back to its original location and seals the wound with stitches.

Uses

The discs of the spinal column usually allow comfortable movement. But age, injuries, and some degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, can cause damage to the discs.

The discs may thin, dry out, or swell and bulge, resulting in inadequate cushioning. When discs become damaged, this is called degeneration. Discs can also swell or break open, which is called herniation.

Sometimes the pain causes muscle stiffness and soreness. It can also radiate to other areas of the body, causing headaches, back, and shoulder pain.

All about degenerative disc disease

Another condition causing disc pain is degenerative disc disease. Learn more about it here.

Alternatives to surgery

Not everyone with damaged discs experiences pain. Most people with damaged discs do not need surgery. Other treatments may help including:

·         exercise therapy

·         physical therapy

·         medications

·         injections

When these treatments fail, and a person's pain is enough to interfere with daily life, a doctor will assess whether ACDF is likely to help with the pain. People tend to be good candidates for surgery if they:

·         have signs of disc damage on an imaging scan

·         have pain, weakness, or tingling in the hand or arm

·         have neck pain due to pinched spinal nerves

·         have tried other treatments but have not improved

What to expect

ACDF will take place under general anestheisa, but as an outpatient.

ACDF is usually an outpatient procedure, which means the individual returns home the same day as surgery. The operation takes place under general anesthesia so the person will be asleep.

After the surgery, most people will experience some pain that they can likely manage with pain medication. Recovery takes several weeks, and some people may need to wear a collar to stabilize the neck.

Most people will meet with a surgeon 4 to 6 weeks following surgery for an assessment and should avoid strenuous activity until cleared by the surgeon.

Complications

As with many other surgeries, the primary risk of ACDF surgery comes from the anesthesia, not the surgery itself. Some people develop respiratory problems due to the combination of anesthesia and their position during the procedure.

The rate of this complication varies between less than 1 in 100 to more than 1 in 10. Very rarely, respiratory problems due to anesthesia can be fatal.

Other potential complications include:

·         long-term pain at the location of the bone graft

·         infection of the incision made to access the bones, or of any of the tissue affected by the surgery

·         infection of the vertebrae

·         excessive bleeding

Two extremely rare complications can be fatal if not promptly and effectively treated:

·         leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cushions the spinal cord

·         brain infection

ACDF does not always work to reduce pain or restore full mobility. Some individuals might need additional surgeries or other treatments, so people should discuss with their doctors how likely it is that the procedure will work.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Physical therapy may help to reduce pain and restore mobility to the area.

Most people can drive again 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Most people need 4 to 6 weeks to complete the initial healing process, but this varies according to age, health, and other factors.

After a follow-up with the surgeon, people typically begin physical therapy. This aims to reduce pain and can restore mobility to the area. Some people may fully recover, regaining full range of motion with little or no pain, while others may have chronic stiffness.

An active lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise can aid recovery. However, people should get permission from the surgeon before they start exercising. Some individuals might need to avoid strenuous physical activity to prevent injuries to the neck.

Source: MedicalNewsToday