While meds containing acetaminophen (e. g. , Tylenol) will decrease pain, they will have no effect on swelling.
OTC muscle relaxers are available at large pharmacies, drug stores, and supermarkets. Common brands include Lorzone, Flexeril, Flexall, and Robaxin. Talk with your doctor to make sure that you can combine your OTC pain medication and muscle relaxant.
Your doctor may also recommend injecting an anesthetic into your neck muscles, instead of a steroid.
Muscle stretches will loosen up your neck muscles and can help prevent spasms from recurring.
You could also get a professional massage to reduce neck-spasm pain. Tell the massage therapist that you’d like them to focus on your neck.
If you don’t have an ice pack, wet a washcloth in cool water and fill the cloth with 6-8 ice cubes. This will work as a makeshift ice pack. Wrap a hot compress in a thin towel or washcloth so you don’t burn yourself.
You’ll need to contact your health-insurance provider to find an in-network physical therapist. Or, ask your doctor for their recommendation (or referral, if needed) to a qualified physical therapist.
While this isn’t an instant fix for neck spasms, it will decrease their severity and frequency over time.
It will also help reduce neck spasms if you move your head and neck around from time to time. Avoid sitting with your head in the same position for hours on end.
Ask your counselor for stress management techniques, like exercising and getting more sleep.
