A neck sprain is stretching and/or tearing of the soft tissues of the neck. This including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue. They connect bones to each other. Mild sprains may involve only stretching of the ligaments. More severe sprains would involve partial tears.
A neck sprain results from a sudden movement that causes the neck to extend or flex too far.
Causes include:
Risk factors for a neck sprain include:
Symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your neck. The doctor will examine your neck. This is done to assess its stability and the severity of the injury. Diagnosis depends on ruling out other sources of neck pain. They can include dislocations, spinal fractures, arthritis , and cervical disc disease.
Tests may include:
Treatment may include:
Wearing this soft neck brace supports the head. It takes pressure off the neck. These are worn only as long as recommended by your doctor. It is usually only a few days. Long term use can weaken neck muscles.
Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to ease muscle spasms. In addition, a medication to relieve pain and inflammation may be recommended such as:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Physical Therapy Canada
http://www.physicaltherapy.ca/
The University of British Columbia Department of Orthopaedics
http://www.orthosurgery.ubc.ca/
References:
Alleva JT, Franklin J, Hudgins TH. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002. Ch. 5.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org .
Conlin A. Bhogal S. Sequeira K. Teasell R. Treatment of whiplash-associated disorders--part II: Medical and surgical interventions. Pain Research & Management . 10(1):33-40, 2005.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care . Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1993.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.