When should I see a doctor about a crick neck?
In this article we will describe when you should see a doctor about a crick neck.
What is a crick neck?
Crick in the neck is an imprecise term that describes a number of cervical spine problems. The term ‘neck crick’ is often used interchangeably with neck pain or a stiff neck.
It is a very stiff neck that often occurs when you wake up (but can occur anytime). It is one of the worst things to experience when you wake up in the morning. Not only can it get in the way of daily tasks and make them more difficult, but in some circumstances, it can make basic tasks nearly impossible to complete.
So what is it? We do not really know. But a crick in your neck is thought to be caused by muscle strain or tension. So there is no serious underlying cause.
Sleeping in an uncomfortable position, bending over for long periods of time, or straining to lift heavy objects (such as you might during a weight lifting session) can all be culprits. Being on your phone or sitting uncomfortably during a long flight can also cause this type of neck stiffness.
What are the symptoms?
Pain and stiffness on one side of your neck are the tell-tale signs of what most people call a ‘crick’ in the neck. Your neck may feel so stiff that you have trouble turning it or looking to your side. You may also feel a sharp pain in your neck when you try to adjust your position or look straight ahead.
Occasionally neck pain or stiffness like this is associated with weakness or a tingling sensation in your arm or hand (similar to how it feels when your arm ‘falls asleep’). This can be an indicator that the crick in your neck is connected to nerve compression or a pinched nerve. If the weakness or tingling goes on for more than a week, you should see your doctor.
What can help relieve the pain of a crick neck?
If you are experiencing stiffness in your neck in the morning, there are a few solutions that may be able to relieve the pain.
- Heating Pad
- Stretching
- Self-Massage.
Heating pad
A little heat and stretching can sometimes be all that’s required to relieve a crick in your neck. The heat will help to reduce inflammation, and the stretching will help relieve any tension in the area.
Using a heating pad on the affected area for a few minutes and gently stretching your neck can often provide relief. To avoid further pain or damage, go easy on your body and don’t push yourself too hard when stretching.
Stretching
As previously mentioned, stretching can go a long way in relieving stiffness in your neck and can often help liberate your neck nerves from the stiff muscles surrounding them.
Sit or stand with your back straight, shoulders back, and head centered over your shoulders. Then, gently tilt your head away from the aching muscles as if you’re trying to touch your ear to your shoulder.
Hold the stretch for five to ten seconds until you feel a stretch in your neck muscles before returning to the starting position. Then, stretch the other side of your neck.
Self-massage
Lastly, a gentle massage can also make a significant difference and help loosen up your neck. Gently rub the stiff area of your neck with your hands, or request the help of a friend or family member.
So. When should I see a doctor about a crick neck?
Most people recover from a crick in the neck within a few hours to a day or two. When the stiffness is due to an injury or associated with muscle pain, recovery can take longer.
Because a crick in the neck is often due to lifestyle factors, it may come back. It is essential, therefore, to make some lifestyle changes to prevent muscle stiffness and injuries occurring in the future.
Most people can treat a crick in the neck at home. But you should see a doctor if a crick in the neck occurs with intense pain (that gets worse), has other linked symptoms (such as arm weakness, tingling or loss of sensation), or is not better by a week.
Summary
We have described when you should see a doctor about a crick neck. They usually get better on their own. So you do not usually have to consult a doctor. We hope it has been helpful.
