Neck Sprains & Strains
Your cervical spine, or neck, is built from seven bones stacked on top of each other along with a shock-absorbing disc between each level. Your neck is actually quite flexible and it relies on muscles and ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" in your neck are the result of these tissues being stretched in a way that is too hard or too far, much like a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity.
The medical term, "sprain" refers to a situation where the tough, durable ligaments that hold your bones together have been damaged, while "strain" means that your muscles or tendons that move your neck have been partially torn.
Common Causes Of Neck Pain
The two most common causes of neck sprains and strains are auto accidents and sports injuries.
In other cases, less traumatic activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, moving heavy objects and falls can also trigger these problems. For most people who suffer from neck pain that is brought on by sprains and strains, the pain is not the result of any single event but rather from repeated overloading.
Tendons and ligaments for the most part are able to handle these small isolated stressors quite well, but repetitive challenges lead to injury in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will cause it to break. Some common types of these less acute types of cervical sprain/strain injuries include bad posture, poor workstations, repetitive movements, prolonged overhead activity, sedentary lifestyles, improper sleep positions, poor bra support and obesity.
Symptoms Of Neck Pain
Symptoms from a sprain/strain can begin very suddenly but in most cases, they actually will develop gradually.
Complaints about neck sprains and strains often include dull neck pain that becomes sharper when you move your head. Rest may also relieve your symptoms but can also often lead to stiffness. The pain is primarily found in the back of your neck but is also known to spread to your shoulders or between your shoulder blades.
Tension headaches are also known to commonly accompany neck injuries. If you start to experience more severe symptoms contact your doctor immediately. Some of these conditions to be aware of include: severe or "different" headaches, loss of consciousness, confusion or "fogginess", difficulty concentrating, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in your arms or face, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control, or fever.
Recovering From Neck Pain
The problem with sprain/strain injuries is that they cause your normal healthy elastic tissue to be replaced with less elastic "scar tissue".
This process can lead to ongoing pain and even arthritis in some cases. Seeking early and appropriate treatment for your injuries, like the type provided in our office, is critical. Depending upon the severity of your injury, you may need to limit your activity for a while - especially if you are frequently experiencing pain during certain movements or activities.
If possible you should do your best to avoid heavy lifting and take frequent breaks from prolonged activity, particularly overhead activity. Following acute injuries, you can try to add ice for 10-15 minutes each hour. Heat may be helpful in some situations of chronic pain. Be sure to ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports-creams.
