Neck Sprain
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Neck Anatomy
The human neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae and are all connected to each other by muscles and ligaments- strong bands of tissue that act like thick rubber bands.
Neck anatomy
These seven vertebrae make up the cervical portion of the spinal column. A sprain is defined by a stretch or tear of the vertebrae’s’ supporting ligaments when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle accident or a hard fall, causes the neck to bend to an extreme position. Contrary to a sprain, a strain is a stretch or tear to the muscle. Often in therapy, we have patients state that they have pulled one of the muscles in their neck. A true pulled muscle or strain occurs due to over stretching the muscle with activity.
A stiff neck usually occurs when we sleep in a bad position with our neck. We wake up with a soreness or stiffness in one of our muscles in the neck. Often, using heat or ice will resolve this issue. It is so important to only sleep with one pillow to avoid a stiff neck. Please read this article on what is the best position to sleep.
Symptoms of Neck Sprain
Individuals suffering from a neck sprain may experience a wide range of possible symptoms. Some of these symptoms may involve:
- Pain, especially in the back of the neck that worsens with activity.
- Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately.
- Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Increased irritability.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
- Numbness in the arm or hand.
- Neck stiffness or decreased range of motion.
- Tingling/weakness in the arms.
Examining Your Neck
Proper diagnosis of a neck sprain requires a comprehensive physical examination performed by a physician. During the physical examination, your doctor will ask how the injury occurred, measure the range of motion in your neck, measure strength, check reflexes and sensation of the arms, as well as check for any local point tenderness.
In order to look closely at the bones in your neck, your doctor may request x-rays. This evaluation will help your doctor rule out or identify other sources of neck pain such as spinal fractures, dislocations, arthritis, or other serious conditions.
Neck or Cervical Sprain
Neck Sprain Treatment
All sprains or strains, no matter where the location of injury, are treated in a similar manner. Neck sprains, like other sprains, will usually heal gradually, given time and appropriate treatment.
In severe cases, you may be prescribed a cervical collar to help support the head and relieve pressure on the ligaments so that they have time to heal. Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants can help ease protective muscle spasms that occur secondary to the injury.
You may find relief by placing an ice pack to the area 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first 2-3 days after injury. This will help reduce pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
Although heat, particularly moist heat, can help loosen cramped muscles, it should not be applied too quickly. Other treatments may include the following:
- Massage.
- Ultrasound.
- Cervical Traction.
- Aerobic/Isometric Exercise.
Most symptoms of neck sprain will reside after 4 to 6 weeks. However, more severe injuries may take longer to heal completely. For more severe neck sprains, local anesthetic injections may be warranted. Full recovery may take as long as 3 months. If you are still having symptoms after this time, further evaluation by a spine specialist is appropriate.
Related Issues
If you would like to learn more about Robotic Spine Surgery at JOI, please read this ARTICLE.
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By: Ehren Allen, DPT, Certified Manual Therapist