Why do the muscles on the side of my neck hurt?

Why do the muscles on the side of my neck hurt?

Pain in the right or left side of your neck is usually nothing serious. It’s often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.

What are the muscles on the side of your neck called?

Sternocleidomastoid. The sternocleidomastoid is the prominent muscle on the side of the neck. It arises from the sternum and clavicle by 2 heads. The medial or sternal head arises from the upper part of the anterior surface of the manubrium sterni and is directed upward, lateralward, and backward.

How do you relieve side neck pain?

How to ease neck pain at home

  1. Apply ice for the first few days.
  2. Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  3. Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting.
  4. Exercise your neck every day.
  5. Use good posture.

How do you relieve neck pain on the right side?

You can try:

  1. taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
  2. icing the injured area.
  3. applying heat to the neck or taking a warm bath.
  4. moving the neck gently from side to side.
  5. stretching your muscles gently.
  6. staying active despite the pain.
  7. getting someone to massage the area.
  8. practicing proper posture.

Can you pull a muscle on the side of your neck?

Your neck moves a lot and is not protected by other parts of your body, so it’s prone to injury or strain. Pain can occur on either side of your neck. It may be related to simple muscle strain, or to more serious conditions like nerve damage or spinal injury.

Why does the right side of my neck hurt?

The bottom line. Pain in the right or left side of your neck is usually nothing serious. It’s often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.

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