A stiff or painful neck has many different causes, one of the most common causes of neck pain is muscle spasm. This is often referred to as wry neck or torticollis and is simply a protective mechanism. In many cases the person wakes up with a stiff or painful neck, or a sudden movement such as turning the head causes the neck muscles to go into spasm. The head becomes very painful to move and often the pain and stiffness is worse on one side. Pain may also radiate down into the shoulders or further up the neck.
It is important to rule out any serious underlying neck problems, such as disc degeneration or prolapsed discs. So a visit to the GP is always advisable in the first instance. Following this, using heat can often bring about some relief as it encourages the muscles to relax. Gentle stretching can also be beneficial in releasing muscles spasms.
Gentle massage techniques are also very effective in releasing the muscles spasm and reducing the level of pain. Hot stone massage combines the use of heat and massage techniques, to gently soften the muscles and induce a state of relaxation. Gentle stretching techniques can also be incorporated into the massage, by the therapist, to release the spasm further and help restore normal range of movement. Often good results can be seen even after one treatment, although a follow up session is recommended. Prevention of further episodes may be possible by having massage on a regular basis, as well as stretching the neck muscles throughout the day. A massage therapist will be able to offer advice on how to maintain good posture, stretch the vulnerable muscles and advise on the frequency of massage treatments in order to prevent any further neck pain.
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