What is muscle inflammation in the neck?
Muscle inflammation neck symptoms
The symptoms of muscle inflammation in the neck can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Below, we describe the muscle inflammation in neck symptoms that are most common. Not sure if you have muscle inflammation in your neck or just a stiff neck? Then read our other blog on chiropractic care for a stiff neck
Pain and tenderness of the neck, shoulders
One of the main symptoms of muscle inflammation in the neck is pain, especially when you move your neck. The pain may be concentrated in a particular part of the neck, but can also radiate to the shoulders, upper back or even the head. Often, the affected muscle also becomes sensitive when touched.
Stiffness and movement restriction
Neck stiffness is a common symptom of muscle inflammation. It can be difficult to move your neck freely, such as when turning your head to the sides or looking down. This is due to the inflammation making the muscles tight and stiff. If you have muscle inflammation in the neck, you may find that your freedom of movement is limited. Twisting, bending or stretching your neck can cause pain, so you try to avoid these movements.
Swelling
In some cases, the inflamed muscle may swell, leading to a visibly or palpably swollen area in the neck. This is often accompanied by warmth or redness at the site of inflammation.
Muscle weakness and muscle cramps
Because the inflamed muscle is weakened, you may suffer from muscle weakness. This means you have difficulty with daily tasks that require moving your neck or head, such as driving a car, sitting at a desk, or lifting objects. Sometimes inflamed muscles can also cause cramps. These are sudden, painful contractions of the muscles, which can occur unexpectedly and are often accompanied by stiffness and pain.
Headache
Neck pain due to muscle inflammation can often lead to tension headaches. This headache usually starts at the base of the skull and may radiate to the forehead. This is due to the tense muscles in the neck affecting nerves and blood flow.
Causes of muscle inflammation in the neck
Muscle inflammation in the neck can be caused by several factors. Common causes include overuse, poor posture, injury and stress.
Overload: this can occur from holding the same posture for long periods of time, such as desk work, or from repetitive movements such as lifting or twisting.
Bad attitude: An incorrect sitting position or constantly looking down (e.g. at a smartphone) can strain the muscles in the neck.
Injuries: injury, such as a whiplash or sudden impact on the neck, can lead to muscle damage and inflammation.
Stress: muscle tension due to stress can contribute to inflammation, especially when muscles are constantly tight.
Infections: In rare cases, muscle inflammation can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Treatment of muscle inflammation in neck
In most cases, muscle inflammation in the neck goes away on its own with rest. If you are in a lot of pain, it may be nice to provide localised warmth (think a nice hot shower or bath, or a hot flannel). However, if the pain persists for a long time or gets worse, or if you experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms or hands, it is important to seek care. This is because this may indicate a more serious problem, such as nerve entrapment or a structural abnormality in the spine.
Muscle inflammation in the neck can be painful and limiting, but with proper care and attention, it can often be treated effectively and a chiropractor can help find relief and regain freedom of movement. So take action if you have long-term muscle inflammation to prevent further complications and promote a speedy recovery.
Would you like to make an appointment at The Family Chiropractor in Den Bosch? On this page you can very easily make your own schedule an appointment.
