Four ways to manage an acute stiff neck

A stiff neck or (Acute wry neck), also known as acute torticollis. It is a painful condition that affects the neck muscles and causes the head to tilt to one side. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sleeping in an awkward position, an injury, or a sudden movement. If you are experiencing acute wry neck, there are several ways to manage the pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways to manage acute wry neck.

1. Apply Heat or Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with acute wry neck. Applying heat to the affected area can help to increase blood flow and relax the muscles. While cold therapy can reduce swelling and numb the pain. You can use a hot water bottle, heat pad, or a warm towel for heat therapy and a cold compress, ice pack, or frozen vegetables for cold therapy. It is important to apply the heat or cold therapy for about 15-20 minutes every few hours until the pain subsides.

2. Practice Gentle Neck Stretches

Gentle neck stretches can help to relieve muscle tension and increase mobility in the affected area. You can perform simple stretches such as tilting your head to the side, forward, and backward, or rotating your head in a circular motion. It is important to perform these stretches slowly and gently to avoid aggravating the condition.

3. Take Pain Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with acute wry neck. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider.  If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Seek Professional Treatment

If the pain and discomfort associated with acute wry neck persist or worsen, it is important to seek professional osteopathic treatment.  An Osteopath can diagnose the underlying cause of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.  Such as osteopathic manipulative therapy, dry needling and much more. They may also refer to a specialist for prescribed muscle relaxants or provide a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain.

Acute stiff neck can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but there are several ways to manage it.  Applying heat or cold therapy, practicing gentle neck stretches, taking pain medications, and seeking an osteopath can all be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation.

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