Suggest Treatment For Tightness On Neck Muscles

Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Why, when I get stressed, that my neck muscles tighten up and I experience cognitive impairment? This has happened to me for years.........Since I was 25 years old

Usually I have tightened neck muscles, with a knot feeling at the back base of my neck. It can go on for hours, and it definitely inhibits my ability to talk and think clearly. Once it's gone, I am as clear as a bell cognitively, however there is no control over these spells, and I feel so spaced out and cognitively compromised!!!

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Depression sequelae, needs management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Depression / stress itself is a very morbid psychiatric illness an such musculoskeletal aspects are very common manifestations apart from many other signs and symptoms.

You can try some muscle relaxants like skelaxin etc when it happens . Apart from it, get some psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy for the better management of this depression. These cognitive behavioural therapies help alot to minimize these symptoms.

SOme recent advancements like TMS ( Trans cranial magnetic stimulation ) and VNS ( vagal nerve stimulation ) has shown promising results in treatment of depression. You can discuss all these options with your doctor.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

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