I woke up with a sharp pain in my neck when I move it to the left or backwards?

Question

I have to hold my head in an abnormal position all day to avoid this sharp pain when i move it or tighten the muscles. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers but they don't help that much. Other than heat compression what do you think will help this pain? If i force my head to turn to the left will i pop some bones back into place? Ive heard of doing that when people throw out their back, but I'm not sure about the neck.

Answer 1

You have the same thing as me.

I don't know the 'scientific' name but my doctor said its a 'loose joint'. A lot of people have one or more loose joints in their neck. This can be caused from cracking your neck too much, but it can also just be there cause some people are born with it.

I think I got it from cracking my neck too much. >__>

I usually get this pain about once a month or once every 2 months.

YOU SHOULD NOT FORCE IT INTO PLACE. This can cause damages to the bones.

Just hold your neck in a place so it doesn't hurt. Try putting a heat pack on it, then a cold pack.

The pain can last anywhere from 8 hours to 3 days.

Mine usually lasts 2 days.

I know, it really sucks! I even missed school from it.

The best thing you can do is put the hot/cold thing on it, rest and wait.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I think I know what you feel. You can also get it (the pain) if you sleep in the wrong way. What I do is I try to build up resistance. So for you, slowly turn you head left, going further each time. Don't roll your head in a complete circle, its harmful.

Put your chin on your chest and roll it to the right, keeping it on your chest or shoulder, count to 5 then roll back to the centre. then to the left for 5 seconds.

Also look up for 5 seconds then to the centre, then back down for 5 seconds. Make sure you can feel the back of your neck stretching.

If possible get someone to massage your neck for you.

Answer 3

Maybe you slept with your neck in an awkward position.