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What Is A Kink In Your Neck & How To Get Rid Of It?

You are aware of the fact that the neck is the axis on which the head revolves and consciousness of our physicality gives us a very clear idea how important the neck is for various upper body and head motions. Bearing the importance of the neck in mind; the subject of stiff necks or a kink in the neck and the effect it has on the body is worth looking into. Here, we try to understand what a kink in your neck is and how to get rid of it.

What Is A Kink In Your Neck & How To Get Rid Of It?

What is a Kink in your Neck?

The phrase “kink in the neck” is a colloquial reference to stiff necks that can be quite a pain and a bother. Here is a better understanding of what is a kink in your neck? This condition is characterized by a sore neck that is difficult to move and pain that extends to the upper back and the arms in extreme cases. While a routine “kink in the neck” is not life threatening nor a chronic condition; whenever it does crop up; it can be a matter of irritation and inconvenience.

Common characteristics of a stiff neck are mildly annoying or extreme neck pain accompanied by intensification of pain when you attempt to move your neck in a specific direction. This condition can be easily self diagnosed and generally doesn’t require prescription drugs or medical assistance. You may either feel as if your neck is more comfortable seeing on one side than the other and forcing it to turn the other way can hurt.

If the problem does persist for more than two to three days; it could be indicative of a more serious issue that would require medical attention. However, the common “kink in the neck” barely lasts a day or two and can resolve with rest or home remedies.

How to Get Rid of a Kink in the Neck?

While you can wait it out and tolerate the pain for day or two with most cases of stiff necks; if the pain is affecting your ability to do your chores, is extremely unbearable and is disturbing your routine; you can choose between multiple treatment options. The most common are as listed below.

Pain-relieving Creams and Gels

If you are looking for quick relief from a kink in the neck; your best bet are over-the-counter (OTC) creams and gels for topical application on the affected area. Gels and creams for pain relief are largely safe but mostly work for mild pain caused by a crick in the neck. These greatly help to get rid of a kink in your neck.

Massage

A gentle oil massage concentrated around the neck area can relieve the pain and help get rid of a kink in your neck. Consider this holistic option for stiff neck relief. It is best to get it done from an expert or you can also massage the sore area by yourself considering you do it right. Make use of your fingers to gently press into trigger points and make sure to massage the tender or sore muscles. Use coconut oil or any other skin safe oil to minimize friction.

Hot and Cold Compress

You can also resort to hot and cold compress to get rid of a kink in your neck. Like any other minor sprain or injury; the inflammation caused by a stiff neck goes down with repetitive hot and cold compress and results in much relief.

Neck Stretches

If your neck is stiff and moving your neck is painful; it is worth stretching your neck, preferably with expert guidance. This surely can help you get rid of a kink in your neck. Make sure you do regulated and gentle stretches, as advised by the trainer. Bend your neck backwards and forwards and side to side; every few minutes till you get some relief.

Avoid Heavy Physical Activity

Strain caused by heavy physical activity is a major cause for stiff necks and you do not wish to aggravate the issue with even more heavy physical activity. Rest helps relax muscles of the neck and it can work wonder to get rid of a kink in your neck. Take a break from heavy lifting, workouts and strenuous activity while suffering from a kink in the neck.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Medical treatment that is commonly used to get rid of kink in your neck includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is more intense you could seek relief from such medicines, which are safe when not taken in excess and best can also be taken by medical advice.

See a Doctor if Pain Persists

An assumed kink in the neck is not what it seems if the pain doesn’t go away in two to three days. This is your cue to see a doctor to diagnose any other medical condition. With the knowledge of what is a kink in your neck and how to get rid of it, you can see if the condition improves in few days or timely medical assistance can help.

In conclusion; a stiff neck or kink in the neck is a commonplace variation of upper body aches and pains and relief is easy to come by. There are many effective ways to get rid of a kink in your neck, but timely medical help must be sought, if it does not improve.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 17, 2018

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