Muscle spasms are a painful muscle contraction of neck muscles. This can make the neck feel sore and tight. You may have a "stiff" neck or headaches as a result of this.

Muscle spasm can be caused by stress, injury, poor posture or overuse.

Relaxation and exercises can help ease the spasm / tension in the muscles. You can also try applying gentle heat such as a wheat bag or electric pad to the neck and shoulders to help relax the muscles.

Click here to download an information sheet about heat and ice therapy.

This is age-related wear and tear in the neck. These changes are similar to those seen in osteoarthritis and take many years to develop. It is normally to have some stiffness, however you can help improve the problem by:

• Keep moving and maintain good posture

• Exercise your neck to stretch tight muscles and move stiff joints

• Painkillers can help to reduce your muscle pain. Speak to your local pharmacist about this.

• Using warmth / heat i.e wheat bag or electric pad. Click here for further information.

For help with your neck pain, download an exercise sheet below.

Problems with the neck can cause pressure on the nerves and therefore numbness or pins and needles. Nerve pain can sometimes radiate pain into your arm and hand. If this pain is severe or you feel weakness of arm/hand seek help from your GP.

Try to avoid activity that increases the numbness or pins and needles. If these symptoms happen at night, try altering your sleeping position or pillow height.

If the pins and needles are only in your hand, you may benefit from wearing a wrist splint. Speak to a health professional about this.

For help with your neck pain, see the exercise sheets below. Avoid exercise that makes your symptoms worse.

Gentle exercise is good for the muscles and joints. Movement may be uncomfortable or sore, however it is still OK to move and exercise the neck. Click the link below for exercise advice.

Over the counter medication may help reduce your pain - Speak to your GP or local pharmacist about this. You may not require a prescription for this.

If you find that your neck pain is worse after being at work, you may require an assessment of your workstation i.e computer postion or suitble chair. Ask your employer about this.

Most neck pain will settle with gentle exercise within 2-3 weeks. If your neck pain doesn’t settle you may need some further help and advice from a health professional.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is caused by degenerative changes which is a result of wear and tear in the spinal column.

These changes within the cervical spine can cause reduced space for the spinal cord. The changes can cause mechanical and structural stress which can result in compression of the spinal cord.

Common Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Pain in the Arms / Legs or Spine

• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

• Clumsiness in the hands (loss of manual coordination/dexterity)

• Balance changes which can result in falls

• Difficulties with walking

• Disturbance of bladder function, such as “increased urgency” or incontinence/urinary retention

For more infomation:

https://myelopathy.org/definition/

For Degenerative Myelopathy support Group:

https://myelopathy.org/support-group/