What is the best way to treat a right neck and shoulder spasm? What are the prevention strategies? In this article, we will discuss the most important treatments and more.
A spasm is an involuntary tightening that affects any muscle in the body, causing severe pain that may extend from a few minutes to several hours or even days if it is not treated. We will discover how to handle a neck and right shoulder spasm in the lines that follow:
Right shoulder and neck spasm treatment
The following methods may be useful in treating neck and right shoulder spasm and relieving the associated pain:
- Use of over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain brought on by spasms as well as muscle tension and inflammation.
- Use of muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants that also ease pain and increase blood flow can be used to treat persistent spasms.
- Apply ice packs
Placing ice packs on the spasmodic neck and shoulder area can help relieve pain and swelling, especially during the first 24 hours of spasm, but ice should not be placed directly on the affected area, but should be wrapped in a bag or a thin piece of cloth and applied to the affected area for a period of time. 10 minutes maximum.
After the spasm begins, the application may be repeated once every hour for 48–72 hours.
- Using warm compresses
Warm compresses, which can be applied to the affected area or taken in the form of repeated warm shower treatments throughout the day, may also help to reduce the pain brought on by the spasm.
- Do a massage of the area
One of the most popular and widely used methods of treating spasm is massage, which can also help by easing tension and pain.
According to one study, massaging the area where the spasm is occurring while using circular motions with the fingers significantly lessens pain.
- Avoid vigorous activities
It is advised to move the body lightly and to avoid rolling the neck or upper back or lifting heavy objects because rest is a necessary component of the treatment.
- Do stretching exercises
Stretching exercises will cause the muscles to be pulled in the opposite direction, relieving the pain brought on by the spasm.
- Drink fluids
Drinking plenty of liquids is crucial because cramping could be brought on by dehydration.
- Eat the necessary nutrients
Take sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium supplements to ease spasms and stop them from happening again.
Ways to prevent spasm of the neck and right shoulder
Following a discussion of how to treat neck and right shoulder spasms, we'll talk about how to prevent them in the future:
- Perform flexibility exercises regularly, and maintain body fitness permanently.
- Don't drink alcohol or caffeine, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Avoid exercising in hot weather.
- Maintain weight within a healthy range.
- Avoid using drugs that have a side effect of causing muscle spasms.
When should you visit the doctor?
In most cases, cramps can be treated within several days or even weeks, but in the following cases, you should consult a doctor:
- Pain that gets worse when lying down and sleeping.
- Pain and numbness extending to the arms and legs, especially when coughing, sneezing, or sitting.
- Change in bladder or bowel function.
- Weakness of the muscles of the arms or legs.
- Pain accompanied by a fever or weight loss.