Pulled a muscle in your neck: How long for it to heal
Are you wondering how long does a pulled neck muscle take to heal and how can chiropractic care help? Here’s the thing: experiencing a pulled neck muscle can disrupt your daily life, causing pain and limiting mobility. We get it.
A common question we hear at Cruz Chiropractic Wellness is, "How long does it take to heal a pulled neck muscle?" The good news is that most mild to moderate pulled neck muscles (also called strains) typically heal within a few days to a few weeks. However, more severe strains might require several weeks to fully recover.
Understanding Neck Muscle Strains
Neck muscle strains occur when fibers within the muscle are overstretched or torn due to sudden movements, poor posture, repetitive strain, or accidents. Symptoms typically include:
- Sharp or dull pain
- Muscle tightness
- Restricted head and neck movements
- Possible swelling or tenderness
Timeline for Recovery if You Strained Your Neck
The healing time for neck muscle strains varies based on severity:
Mild strain: Usually heals within 1 to 2 weeks with appropriate care.
Moderate strain: Often takes 2 to 4 weeks, requiring rest and professional intervention.
Severe strain: May take several weeks or more, particularly if medical or therapeutic intervention isn't promptly initiated.
How Chiropractic Care Can Speed Your Recovery
Chiropractic care offers effective, non-invasive treatments that can significantly speed up recovery and prevent future injuries. At Cruz Chiropractic Wellness, we utilize personalized chiropractic care and therapeutic techniques to:
Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Gentle treatments improve blood flow, decreasing inflammation and accelerating healing.
Improve Mobility and Flexibility: Targeted exercises and stretches restore normal range of motion.
Prevent Future Injuries: Posture correction and ergonomic guidance reduce the likelihood of recurring muscle strains.
Unique Treatments at Cruz Chiropractic Wellness
In addition to traditional chiropractic methods, Cruz Chiropractic Wellness offers specialized therapies particularly beneficial in treating neck muscle strains:
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): This technique involves specially designed instruments that gently break down scar tissue and adhesions in muscles. IASTM improves circulation, promotes tissue healing, and restores muscle function, thus relieving pain and stiffness associated with neck strains.
Chiropractic Manipulation: Gentle, targeted adjustments relieve joint restrictions, helping reduce muscle tension and discomfort. This therapy improves overall mobility, supports faster recovery, and prevents complications associated with muscle strains.
Customized Corrective Exercises: Exercises specifically designed for your condition strengthen weakened muscles, restore normal movement patterns, and enhance overall stability, significantly decreasing the risk of re-injury.
Kinesio Taping®: A therapeutic taping technique providing stability and support to the affected muscles without limiting movement. It reduces inflammation and swelling, promotes circulation, alleviates pain, and aids the body’s natural healing processes.
When to Seek Chiropractic Care
Seeking chiropractic care soon after experiencing a neck muscle strain can significantly impact your recovery time and overall comfort. Early intervention helps prevent complications and chronic pain conditions from developing.
At Cruz Chiropractic Wellness, our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve swift, lasting relief. Don’t let neck pain keep you from enjoying life fully.
If you're dealing with a pulled muscle in your neck and want to get back to your routine faster, consider visiting our chiropractic office in Manhattan. I’d love to guide you through a recovery plan that restores your strength and helps prevent further injury—so you can keep doing what you love, pain free.
Get started by booking a free consult call or contacting us today.
