Suggest Treatment For Severe Muscle Spasms In Neck

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016

Question: I'm guessing it's a pinched nerve caused by extremely tight muscles, but wanted to ask. 4 days ago I was carrying my 4 month old who's approximately 15ish lbs in one of those carriers you wear on the front of you. After I took it off I noticed it felt like I had a pinched nerve in the muscle by my shoulder blade on the right side. I didn't think much of it as I've gotten those before in that same area and they just go away. I did lift some boxes that same day as we just moved. Well this time it has gotten worse. It is extremely sore if I press on that area. Muscle sore. I have knots in the muscles around the shoulder blade and the pain has radiated to my trap and aches down my arm at its worse. It's the worse when I get up in the middle of the night to feed my baby and first thing in the morning. My neck is stiff and my muscles spasm. I have to hold my arm as it's like gravity pulling it down causes those muscles to spasm. After I'm up a bit it chills out, but lifting my arm above my head hurts and turning my neck too far either way. It's a sharp stabbing pain and feels a bit burning like in my trap area. Ibuprofen seems to take the edge off. If I don't move my arm much I can't feel it. What do I do to get these muscles to relax and release the nerve they're affecting if this is what's going on? It's just my right side. Doesn't hurt to take a deep breath and no pain in my chest. I'm 32 years old. It gives me a bit of a headache from the muscles being tight.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are having neck muscle spasm

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
i have studied your case and I can assure you that there is no pinching of nerve . This is a very common problem and it is called cervical muscle spasm. it can occur due to sudden jerk in neck, lifting of weight on neck or may be sleeping in wrong position. Muscles become sore and tight and resist every movement. You need to deal with this condition with patience.
i would suggest you following.
1.Do not use that bag to carry your baby. It will increase this muscle spasm. Also do not travel or do any jerky activities.
2. take muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz after discussing with your doctor.
3.Hot water fomentation.
4.Volini gel local application.
I hope this steps will take care of this pain and you will be fine in five to six days. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 minutes later)

I don't want to have to go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary. So if I rest it, apply heat and use Ibuprofen will that get it to relax and get better in a few days?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, also use soft cervical collar

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes if you use soft cervical( Neck ) collar with above mentioned medicines then you will feel much better in few days. Do not need to visit physician .
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar