Neck muscle spasms can feel like muscle tightness, stiffness, and sharp or achy pain, which can make movement incredibly difficult and painful for the sufferer. Your range of motion is typically more limited, and it’s harder to turn your head sideways or even stretch it properly for release.

But what causes muscle spasms to begin with? Let’s take a look at some of the many potential causes.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs in the spinal column can cause inflammation in surrounding muscles and lead to spasms in the neck. Issues with intervertebral discs or the cervical spine in general need to be addressed quickly by a spine specialist so that the patient can seek treatment before the condition worsens.

Strains and Sprains

Sprains and strains can happen for various reasons, including moving your neck too fast, jerking and other sudden movements, injuries and accidents, and even sleeping in the wrong position. Basically, they occur when you stretch too far too quickly, injuring a ligament and causing healthy muscles to tighten and spasm as a protective measure.

Other times, strain on the muscle due to physical activity or carrying heavy bags, or even kids, can lead to muscle spasms.

Facet Joint Arthritis

This chronic, degenerative condition can cause severe pain in the back and spine, making it very difficult to carry on day-to-day tasks and work as per your usual routine. A condition such as this requires a proper treatment plan and measures to slow down its progression, which is why we recommend setting up a consultation at the Houston Physicians’ Hospital spine center in Houston as soon as possible.

How Do You Treat Muscle Spasms?

Muscle spasms are treated in various ways. A spine specialist or multiple healthcare providers, including physical therapists, may come up with a plan to treat your spasms via stretches, intramuscular steroids—or other injections—medications, and addressing the root cause of your spasms if they’re a recurring issue.

Set up an appointment at one of the leading spine centers in Houston, TX, at Houston Physicians’ Hospital. You’ll find some of the most experienced spine specialists in Houston who can help manage and treat your neck spasms. Visit our website to find the right doctor for you and schedule an appointment directly with their office.