What Causes a Crick in the Neck? 

 

We’ve all had one. Sometimes, it strikes suddenly as you’re turning your head. Other times, you wake up and can’t seem to turn your head completely to one side. These are known as cricks in the neck, and while they are common, what causes them isn’t nearly as widely known.

The Crick

Straight out of the late 15th Century, the term ‘crikke’ was used to describe both muscle pain and spasms. Since then, the term hasn’t changed in meaning so much as it has in spelling. Even still, we do know more about it than we did in the 1400s.

If you hold your neck in one position for too long, the muscle spasms. This means the muscle suddenly and painfully contracts but doesn’t relax. This is why cricks are most common after sleeping or prolonged sitting in front of a computer. Apart from muscular pain, the crick is also associated with joint problems. When the joints around the neck are strained, they force the muscles into a spasm.

Treatment

While impossible to get rid of entirely, cricks can be treated and prevented. For dealing with one already causing you pain, use an anti-inflammatory medication or herbal remedy and apply a warm compress to the muscle. The warmth will cause the blood to flow to the intended area, helping relax the muscle. You can also massage the area and gently stretch it.

Prevention

In regards to prevention, make sure whatever you look at all day at work is at eye level in order to keep the neck and head in a neutral position. Likewise, it is helpful to work out regularly. By strengthening the muscles of the back and neck, they become less prone to spasms.

For sleeping, invest in a pillow with neck support, or roll up a smaller pillow to place under your neck.

Looking for vitamins, herbal supplements and other alternatives to help you keep a healthy balance in your life? Check out the thousands of products we sell at iHerb.com. Use Rewards Code CST984 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.