Neck Spasms

A neck spasm occurs when the muscles in a person’s neck suddenly contract involuntarily. This might cause:

• severe, sharp pain
• problems moving the neck and shoulders
• increased pain when moving the neck and shoulders
• headache
• dizziness or tingling in the base of the neck

These symptoms can last for minutes, hours, or even days after the muscle relaxes and the spasm subsides. For some, neck pain does not go away and becomes a long-lasting (chronic) problem.

Neck Spasm Causes

Common causes of neck spasm include:

• sitting in front of a computer for extended periods without stretching or taking breaks
• abrupt turning movements while sleeping
• carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, or carrying something heavy with only one arm
• cradling your mobile phone against your neck while talking
• emotional stress
• strain caused by exercise, such as running, weightlifting, golf etc.
• poor posture
• dehydration

There may also be a more serious reason for neck spasms, including whiplash or other trauma, meningitis, herniated disk and more.

Neck Spasms Common Treatments and Remedies

Common treatments to relieve the pain from neck spasm include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc.
• Apply heat or ice to the painful area
• Apply heat using warm showers, hot compresses, or a heating pad
• Gently massage the sore or painful areas
• Sleeping on a firm mattress with an ergonimic pillow to support your neck

A good way to treat neck spasms is with stretching exercises. Also keep in mind that stress may trigger neck spasms, so taking regular breaks from work, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation may also help.

When common treatments don’t work, your health care provider might prescribe you some strong medicines (such as narcotics) to help manage your chronic pain. He/She might refer you to specialists such as rheumatologists, physical therapists, neurosurgeon and even mental health providers (as frustration, resentment, and stress are often a result of chronic pain).

Neck Spasms Treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin best known as a cosmetic treatment used to lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles. However, botulinum toxin has long been used to relax muscles and treat uncontrolled muscle contractions caused by several medical conditions.

Latest studies show that botulinum injections may significantly reduce chronic neck pain when used in combination with physical therapy.

Here at Facial Sculpting, Dr Nina Bal offers an initial consultation to examine your case and discuss how to administer the botulinum toxin safely and for maximum results to relieve the pain from chronic neck spasm.

How Does the Treatment Work?

Botulinum toxin A is a protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, the same bacteria that causes botulism food poisoning. When injected into muscles in tiny amounts, botulinum can stop or reduce muscle spasm by blocking nerve signals to the muscle – hence helping it relax.

This treatment is being used successfully on Dr Nina’s patients to treat several conditions, including face palsy, chronic migraines, bruxism, hyperhidrosis and more.

Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the contracted muscle with a very fine needle. Several injections may be used depending on the size and number of muscles targeted.

Botulinum Treatment FAQs

How long does it take for the treatment to work?

The toxin does not work immediately, but patients should notice an effect within 14 days. The effect will last about three to four months, and results are best when the treatment is coupled with physical therapy.

How long do the effects last?

The effect of the toxin may last for three to four months. After this time, some people may only need one course of injections while others may benefit from a repeated course. This is because after three to four months the nerve impulses will be able to travel to the muscle again and some of the stiffness may return. If the neck pain persists, a new cycle of treatment might be necessary.

Are there any risks and/or side effects?

Botulinum injections are considered very safe. The main side effect is bruising and discomfort at the injection site.

Can everyone have this treatment?

Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have botulinum injections. Also, patients that have a previous allergic reaction to it should avoid this type of treatment.

Does the treatment hurt?

As with all injections, there might be some discomfort at the time of injection and a few people report a dull ache the following day.

Treatments of neck spasm with botulinum toxin are available at Dr. Nina Facial Sculpting clinics and subject to previous consultation.