The seven bones in your neck are called cervical vertebrae. They are connected
to each other by ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue not unlike
thick rubber bands. A sprain is a stretch or tear in the ligament resulting
from a sudden movement that causes the neck to extend to an extreme position.
For example, in the rapid deceleration of a car crash, your head and neck
can stretch far forward before stopping.
CAUSES OF NECK SPRAINS
The most typical causes of neck sprain are trauma such as motor vehicle
crashes and accidental injury during contact sports.
NECK SPRAIN SYMPTOMS
Patients suffering a neck sprain will experience pain-especially in the
back of the neck-that worsens with movement. Headache, muscle spasms,
pain in the upper regions of the shoulders, and numbness in the arm or
hand may result. It is also not uncommon to feel a stiffness or decrease
in the range of motion.
TREATMENT FOR NECK SPRAINS
Neck sprains, like other sprains, will gradually heal, given time and appropriate
treatment. You may have to wear a soft cervical collar to help support
the head and relieve pressure on the neck so the ligaments have time to
heal. Analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can help reduce the pain
and any swelling. Muscle relaxants can help ease spasms. You can apply
an ice pack for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, several times a day for the
first two or three days after the injury. This will help reduce inflammation
and discomfort. Most symptoms will resolve in four to six weeks. A severe
injury, such as might be sustained in a motor vehicle accident, may take
longer to heal completely.
*Please note that all physicians are listed in random order and search results are refreshed every hour to comply with Stark Law.
Related Testimonials
Cervical Discectomy"Dr. Gordon provides first class care!"Provider: Michael L Gordon MD
Total Hip Replacement"Nice office, nice people, good Doctor and immediate support staff. I can tell Dr. Mudiyam treats his employees well and that everyone there loves what they do."Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
Spinal Interventional Procedure"Dr. Charlu helps me manage pain without taking pain medicine."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Interventional Procedure"Dr. Charlu is a great doctor and always explains everything to you. He is very caring."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Laminectomy / Foraminotomy"Everything from the daily check-ins to the way the surgery was handled. I felt cared for and respected all throughout the process."Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
Cervical Discectomy"Dr. Lee is an amazing surgeon after the normal pain of the surgery was gone all my symptoms prior to the surgery orgone also. The care team was great after the surgery and answered all my questions no matter big or small, which I think was most important ..."Provider: Richard S Lee MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"They were caring and careful with my care."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"He provided feedback on the procedure step by step to ensure I knew what was going to happen."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"They were caring, nice and thoughtful."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"They alleviated my fears, were fast and efficient and the hip injection worked."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Lumbar Decompression w/Fusion (anterior)"Responsive when needed and constant communication helped answer all my questions."Provider: Richard S Lee MD
Cervical Discectomy"Dr. Lee is very knowledgeable and thorough. The nurses, staff, and surgery scheduler – Kim, is great!"Provider: Richard S Lee MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
