I frequently see a condition colloquially labeled as a crick in the neck. This occurs most frequently in autumn when the weather begins to cool down. This Vancouver massage therapist gives an excellent explanation of the condition along with a home care regimen.
It is usually a neurological over-reaction to a relatively minor problem. This is common because the human nervous system plays it safe with the spine: better to immobilize you than risk any serious harm to your spinal column.
I have very good results working on this condition and can usually clear it in two to three half hour sessions.
Posted by linda on January 01, 2004My father is suffering from a very stiff neck - crick in the neck. Can you please tell me what can be done at home. Thanks!
Posted by: Diane Goulet on January 31, 2004 10:13 AMHi Diane,
Thank you for reading. For your Dad's crick, I would use a hot pack on the affected area and gentle stretches to improve range of motion. Depending on his age, his skin may be thin, so be careful not to put too much heat on for a prolonged period of time. If there is no improvement, the services of a massage therapist or your family physician may in order.
I have a pretty bad neck crick, i was wondering if i would be able to go out? I'm not sure if it will make i worse... thanks!
Posted by: isabel on February 7, 2004 12:46 PMIsabel,
I would try a heat pack and some gentle stretches to try and get your neck more mobile. I understand your concern about getting out and about, especially if you drive a car--a bad crick can prevent you from easily checking your blind spot. Many times cricks are caused by the cold, so if you go out, wrap up with a scarf. If your crick lasts longer than a week or two, you may want to see a massage therapist or your doctor. Good Luck!
I have had a crick in my neck for over 2 weeks now. This is bother me a lot. What can I do to relieve the pain and discomfort or better yet, make it go away.
Kym
Posted by: Kim on June 7, 2004 07:37 AMKym,
Sounds to me like you need help from a professional. Book an appointment with a qualified massage therapist. Here is the therapist guide from the AMTA. http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/locator.htm Alternate heat and ice packs and move your head as much as possible to keep the range of motion you have. Your therapist should be able to clear up you problem in 2 to 4 sessions. Good luck.
I have a crick in my neck when I turn to the left. Do I want to stretch it to the left gentley until I feel minor pain? Should I take ibruproffen?
Posted by: Anya on July 10, 2004 09:36 AMIf you have a crick on the left side of the neck, you would sidebend (ear to shoulder) your head to the right until you feel a gentle stretch ro slight burning. I can't recommend drugs because doing so is outside my scope of practice. However, if you know ibruprofen works well for you then I suggest you continue with that. Thanks for reading.
Posted by: linda on July 10, 2004 04:58 PMThanks for your quick reply. I guess my young age (23) is a benefit, the pain is nearly gone this morning! I will keep stretching though. Thanks again! Anya
Posted by: on July 11, 2004 04:04 PMOh my GOSH!!! This morning i woke up with a crick in my neck!!!! its on the right side-so i need it fixed right away!(teakwondo) help!!!!!!!
Posted by: kotoko on July 15, 2004 07:53 AMMy son has a crick in his neck. This is the second one he's got in the last 3 to 4 weeks. The first one he got when we went to Six Flags from a ride jerking it in there, and it finally got better. Now he woke up this morning and turned to look up at his Dad real quick and it pulled the crick back in it. What can you suggest we do? Could it be that the first one never got completey well, because it's on the same side. He's 16 and I am just trying to get him help. He is trying to work, and go to school, and it is tough to do when you are in pain. I gave him ice to put on it, because I figure that it is muscular and that would help more. I feel the heat may make it hurt more, or keep it in there longer. I just wondered if you could suggest antying else other than what I am already doing.
Posted by: Jackie on August 22, 2004 06:34 PMHeat is actually supposed to have an analgesic effect that helps relieve pain, so that may be effective short-term. I suggest massage therapy if you're not opposed--he will need to be accompanied by an adult because he is a minor. To find a qualified massage therapist go to http://amtamassage.org to their "find a therapist" service and locate someone in your area. Good luck and thanks for reading.
Posted by: linda on August 23, 2004 12:46 PMI've a pinch nerve in the back of neck for years. Can anything be done to get rid of it or is there for life?
Posted by: Nicky Savage on October 19, 2004 05:37 AM