"What Steps Should I Take When Experiencing a Tightening Pain or Muscle Pull in My Neck?"

Neck Pain Sensitivity and Causes

The neck is a highly sensitive area, where any discomfort is acutely felt. A pulling sensation in the neck can stem from various reasons, commonly encompassing external sprains, nerve compression due to disc herniation, occipital neuralgia, among others. Prompt medical attention is crucial if the pain persists or intensifies, ensuring a clear diagnosis and treatment tailored to the underlying cause.

Management of Neck Pulling Pain

Encountering neck pulling pain due to a sprain, the initial step is to exclude the possibility of fracture or dislocation, necessitating an X-ray examination at a hospital. In the absence of these, restricting neck movements, wearing a neck brace, and avoiding prolonged phone or computer use with a downward gaze are essential. Local application of ointments or patches, physical therapy, and acupuncture can aid recovery. Oral anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant medications may be prescribed, but massage should be avoided. Post-recovery, vigorous neck movements should be limited, and a pillow of appropriate height should be chosen to prevent further neck injuries.

Causes of Neck Pulling Pain

Multiple factors contribute to neck pulling pain on one side, including external sprains, nerve compression due to disc herniation, and occipital neuralgia. Muscular strains from external forces lead to immediate, often intense pain. Patients with cervical disc herniation and occipital neuralgia may experience radiating pain to the upper or posterior neck, exacerbated by movement. The sternocleidomastoid muscles, situated on both sides of the neck, facilitate head and neck tilting when contracted. Simultaneous contraction of both muscles can cause head tilting backwards. Pain in these muscles may arise from trauma, such as excessive stretching due to sudden head twists under varying external forces. Severe cases may involve symptoms related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, with pain radiating to the brain, behind ears, cheeks, and eye sockets, accompanied by tinnitus, torticollis, and positional vertigo. Disc herniation compressing the accessory nerve passing through the sternocleidomastoid muscle can also cause pain. In extreme cases, mild paralysis of the trapezius muscle in the posterior neck may occur. Additionally, the occipital artery supplies the upper part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and occipital neuralgia can induce episodic dull neck pain, worsening during head and neck movements, sneezing, or coughing.