7 ways to get rid of a neck crick
![crick of the neck](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/neck-pain-dizziness.jpg?output-quality=75)
A crick in the neck is a popular word that refers to the neck stiffness or spasm that occurs suddenly.
You can get rid of a neck crick in various ways that include:
- Apply ice initially
- Apply ice for the first 48 to 72 hours on the painful area since it relieves the initial swelling and pain.
- Do not apply ice directly. Instead, wrap it in a small cloth or towel and move it gently over the affected area.
- Apply heat
- Ice application should be followed by the application of heat. You can apply heat to the affected area using a heating pad, warm showers, or hot compresses.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- You can try over-the-counter medication for a little relief from milder pain associated with a crick in your neck.
- Examples include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
- Try stretching
- After applying heat, stretching the neck gently can sometimes offer some relief in a cricked neck. The slow stretching might help relieve tension in the affected area.
- Move your neck up and down and side to side. Be gentle, and do not push yourself too hard. If pain is excruciating, it is better not to move the neck.
- Massage the area
- Make use of your hands or get help from a family member or a friend to gently massage the affected area.
- Modify your bedding
- Use a firm mattress and a special neck pillow.
- Try a soft neck collar
- You can try a soft neck collar for a few days until you get relief from the crick in your neck. However, always check with your doctor before using it.
Why do you get a crick in your neck?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 out of 100 people experience neck pain frequently.
A crick in your neck is most often caused by muscle weakening that results over time. Poor posture over time or muscle weakness due to lack of exercise can often cause the neck to crick. This can happen when you stare at your phones or computer screens or drive for longer periods.
Over time, either pulling a muscle or an impinged nerve or both may cause a crick in your neck.
A crick in your neck indicates repeated use of wrong posture or misuse of neck muscles. It is a signal to let you know the cause of the injury.
How can I prevent a crick in my neck?
It is fine to develop a crick in your neck occasionally. However, if you are someone who gets it frequently, here are some tips to prevent it.
- Try experimenting with your sleeping position. If you have been using a soft mattress and multiple pillows, replace them with a firm mattress and a special pillow for the comfort of your neck.
- Check with your posture. Always sit upright and do not slump or lean toward your computer while sitting on a chair.
- Change your desk chair. If you think your desk chair is not right for your neck, use a comfortable desk chair that supports your neck.
- Do not forget to stretch. Always stretch your neck muscles in the morning and several times during the day if you sit for long periods in front of your computer.
- Get your vitamin D and calcium tested. Often the neck muscles weaken due to a lack of vitamin D and calcium. You may get it checked after discussing it with your doctor.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/least_effective_exercises_s1_man_after_workout.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Pictures of the 7 Riskiest Workout Moves, and How to Improve Them See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Cleveland Clinic. Do You Have a Stiff Neck? Try These Simple Remedies. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-have-a-stiff-neck-try-these-simple-remedies/
Top How Do I Get Rid of a Crick in My Neck Related Articles
Could a Stiff Neck Be a Sign of Something Serious?
Neck stiffness is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of neck stiffness, what causes neck stiffness, how doctors diagnose neck stiffness, and how neck stiffness is treated.Does a Needle Biopsy in the Neck Hurt?
A needle biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require a large incision. Therefore, it is less painful compared to the standard surgical biopsies. Most patients experience mild pain after the procedure, which can be managed with painkillers.Head and Neck Cancer Quiz
Learn the facts about head and neck cancers.Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms and Treatments
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the throat, lips, nose, mouth, larynx, and salivary glands. They are more likely to affect men over the age of 50. Head and neck cancer treatments include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hyperfractionated radiation therapy.How Do You Treat a Strained Neck Muscle?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your strained neck muscle symptoms and speed up your neck recovery.Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
Neck pain (cervical pain, cervicalgia) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain. Though treatment for neck pain really depends upon the cause, treatment typically may involve heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.Neck Pain and Dizziness
Neck pain and dizziness are both symptoms that may result from several causes and risk factors. Check out the center below for more medical references on neck pain and dizziness, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.Shoulder and Neck Pain
Shoulder and neck pain may be caused by bursitis, a pinched nerve, whiplash, tendinitis, a herniated disc, or a rotator cuff injury. Symptoms also include weakness, numbness, coolness, color changes, swelling, and deformity. Treatment at home may incorporate resting, icing, and elevating the injury. A doctor may prescribe pain medications and immobilize the injury.Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.What Are the Four Types of Neck Dissection?
Neck dissection or cervical lymphadenectomy is a surgical procedure to examine and remove the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck. The surgery is done for the management of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.What Causes a Buffalo Hump on the Back of the Neck?
A buffalo neck hump, or dorsocervical fat pad, can develop when fat collects on the back of your beck. Learn about 6 possible causes, symptoms, and treatment.What Is Neck Muscle Called?
Several muscles are present in the neck to allow the movement of the neck and maintain its shape and structure. One of the major muscles in the neck is the trapezius. The trapezius muscles are the large muscles of the upper back.When Should I Worry About a Lump in My Neck?
Most neck lumps are not harmful. However, in some cases, these bumps and cysts can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Consult your doctor if you also have these symptoms.Why Do I Get Skin Tags on My Neck?
What are skin tags on my neck? Learn what causes them and how to treat them.