• Contraction of the neck muscles
• Symptoms may include twisting and turning of the head with neck pain and stiffness
• Cause unknown
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females
• Can occur at any age
• May be mild to severe
• Not life threatening

• Decrease your level of stress where possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
• Get plenty of rest
• Try sensory tricks such as touching the opposite cheek or neck

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen