Neck Cramps

Cramps and Neck Cramps

A cramp is a painful, unpleasant sensation that is caused due to the contraction of muscles. They can be caused due to cold, overexertion, and illness or poisoning.

There are two main causes of cramp – inadequate oygenation of the muscles and the lack of water or salt.

Neck Cramps

Neck (also called cervical spine) comprises of vertebrae beginning in the upper torso and ending at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae and the ligaments support the spine and the muscles along this area helps in supporting and easy motion. Since the neck supports the head and is has lesser support compared to other areas of spine, injuries in this area happen easily and more often. There may be temporary pains or permanent neck injuries.

Neck cramps may be caused by the abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments and nerves in the neck area and also the bones and joints of the spine. These abnormalities happen due to wear and tear, injuries and tumors in some cases. Neck pain may also cause pain in other areas like shoulder, arms and back. Other factors that may cause the cramps are degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cervical disk degeneration, infection and congenital abnormalities in the vertebrae.

Medical care for neck cramps

If the severe pain is experienced due to an as a result of an accident or a fall the person has to be immobilized to avoid further injuries and immediate medical intervention is necessary.

In cases other than accidents or falls, when the neck cramps are severe and continue for a longer time, along with pain getting down to the legs and arms and with other symptoms like headaches, numbness in some parts of the body and weakness, an immediate visit to the doctor, especially an orthopedist is advisable. The orthopedist takes the complete history of the problem and may recommend X-ray studies for properly analyzing the problem. In case, further studies have to be done, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography), Myelogram (injecting a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal) or EMG (electromyogram) are also done.

Treatment

It usually involves rest, medication, immobilization, physical therapies, exercises, activity modifications or a combination of any of these.

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