What Causes Tightness In Neck?

Posted on Wed, 11 Feb 2015

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

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Answered on

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 75 year old male, weight 180. I have been experiencing tightness in my neck in the left back corner on and off for about ten days. I work out several times a week with moderate weights but have naot felt any strain in my neck. Is this something to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
may need muscle relaxant

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The discomfort is likely related to spasm of the muscles in this area and this is not normally related to any serious condition in the majority of cases.

The most common causes of muscle spasms are: (1) strain , repeated movements ,abnormal positioning or over use of muscles in the particular area

(2)low levels of electrolytes particularly potassium, magnesium or calcium

(3)liver or kidney disease

(4) side effects of some medications

You can continue the heat application, if there is no improvement then you may need a prescription for a muscle relaxant from your doctor.

There are different types of muscle relaxants including: flexeril ,valium, XXXXXXX

Blood investigations would normally only be considered if there is no response to treatment.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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