Sprained neck?? Don’t know what to do

[Lectei]

I had a bit of a stiff neck last night before bed - nothing terrible, very mild. Woke up this morning, felt ok - got out of bed, lifted my head and omg - I had the most horrendous pain and all of my neck muscles tightened so tight it was almost unbearable, I ended up instinctively grabbing my head trying to support it - had to sit back down, it eased off slightly but I couldn’t move my neck much without the pain coming back. Since then I’ve been almost unable to move. I tried to tie my hair back and the tightening pain came back, stood up from the sofa and it came back - I don’t know what to do, I’m in my own until tomorrow. No other symptoms, no headache, no nausea, no pins and needles etc - literally feel great other than this horrendous pain. Don’t know what to do - pretty isolated

Have you had painkillers? If not I suggest you brave the pain and find the strongest ones you’ve got in the house. Also maybe a heat pack?

hi op, I had the same once when my baby was young - happened out of nowhere while washing my hair! DP took me to a walk in clinic and they said it was best to try and keep gently moving it as holding it still only tenses it up more, do alternate heat and cold on it and take ibuprofen.

they recommended I avoided any strenuous movement or lifting for a couple of weeks (no lifting my heavy 18m old!) but otherwise try to keep gently moving as normal.

hope it eases soon!

I’ve had this exact thing happen to me.. unfortunately mine was sold inflicted as I tried to do a headstand at 25 after having a kid I just wasn’t as nimble as I once was 🤣

I ended up at A&E because I genuinely thought I’d broken my neck, I couldn’t move it without the most horrendous sharp searing pain, it was real agony.

I was given some diazepam and told it was a severe muscle spasm that had caused it.

So might be worth seeing if you can get to the GP or MIU as they may suggest the same.

I’d recommend some anti inflammatory painkillers, a long and hot shower to try to ease the muscles a bit, and a heated neck warmer or anything similar if possible. Be prepared for this to last a week or so.

A lot of people call this a cricked neck. Massaging the area where is it most painful helps a lot. I think I last did it when I sneezed in the night!

I’ve been there - went to A&E because I’ve broken my neck before and genuinely thought I’d done it again! They prescribed me pain killers and anti inflammatories. I was advised to alternate with hot/cold compresses a few times a day. Try gentle movements but don’t force anything.

It is probably a trapped nerve which is causing a massive muscle spasm
You need to get some diazepam which will release the spasm
I have had this and it's excruciating, you poor thing!

I actually ended up buying a pump up neck brace as it was the only way I could be pain free like this
Cervical Neck Traction Device Inflatable Neck Stretcher, Use for Neck and Shoulder Relief Traction Spine Alignment, Neck Cervical Brace (Blue) : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

It supports your neck and when it's in traction it doesn't hurt. It isn't a cure but is a relief from the pain and could enable you to get to the doctors

Do you have any deep heat? Give yourself a neck massage with that and take some ibuprofen.

It hurts so much! Painkillers & heat. If you have co-codamol at home that's pretty good to relax you a bit when it initially hits. Keep it warm as you can. It does ease but it hurts so bad at first.

Sending lots of healing thoughts. I had a trapped nerve in my neck and then it became really inflamed at the neck and shoulder. Go hard on the painkillers and physio recommended cold compress to me xxx

Thanks everyone, this has put my mind at rest as I honestly thought I’d broke my neck earlier! Then when it eased off slightly I decided I had meningitis 🙄

I do have some deep heat, I’ll try and get to it - hopefully it’s where the ibuprofen is 🤦‍♀️

Ok deep heat is on which strangely feels very nice (although it feels cold! Is this normal?) normally I don’t feel any benefit with deep heat but I’m definitely feeling it this time. I’ve taken two ibuprofen too

Ask for some diazepam- it relaxes the muscles and it will settle.

I have found that when I have Deep Heat on, it feels like a cool burning sensation. Like it feels hot and cold at the same time! Hope your neck feels better soon

dd had to have co-codamol and diazepam when she couldnt lift her head off her pillow

Jesus it’s getting worse 😞 I wouldn’t even be able to get to GP or anywhere so I’m hoping the ibuprofen kick in soon

I don't know if it's something GP's still do but could you ring up your GP surgery and ask if they can do a home visit? Explain why you can't get in and see if they can either visit you or if they know of a service that can? X

do you have a hot water bottle?

@LecteiI think you should ring the GP. You don’t know what’s causing it and it’s worth finding out

How are you now @Lectei ?

It’s still a bit stiff and delicate but nowhere near as bad as it was earlier thankfully. A full day wasted on the sofa though 🤦‍♀️

thank you for asking ☺️

You need muscle relaxers!

I wonder what caused it? So strange as I’ve not done anything strenuous at all

When my sister gets this the GP will sometimes do acupuncture which apparently cures it

It's so painful when that happens. Keep up with the pain relief. Get a heat pad on it too.