Neck sprains, twists refer to a ligament sprain or muscle strain in the neck. They are most typically associated with the whiplash injury (common in a car accident) but also occur frequently during sports. They are the result of a fall, impact or contact with another person, object or surface.
The seven bones of the spinal column in your neck (cervical vertebrae) are connected to each other by ligaments--strong bands of tissue that act like thick rubber bands. A sprain (stretch) or tear can occur in one or more of these ligaments when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle accident or a hard fall, causes the neck to extend to an extreme position.
Symptoms · Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement · Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately · Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder · Headache in the back of the head · Sore throat · Increased irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating · Numbness in the arm or hand · Neck stiffness or decreased range of motion (side to side, up and down, circular) · Tingling or weakness in the arms
Diagnosis To diagnosis a neck sprain, your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will ask you how the injury occurred, measure the range of motion of your neck, and check for any point tenderness. Radiographs (X-rays) may be requested so the doctor can look closely at the bones in your neck. This evaluation will help the doctor rule out or identify other sources of neck pain, such as spinal fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and other serious conditions.
Treatment All sprains or strains, no matter where they are located in the body, are treated in a similar manner. Neck sprains, like other sprains, will usually heal gradually, given time and appropriate treatment. You may have to wear a soft collar around your neck to help support the head and relieve pressure on the ligaments so they have time to heal.
Pain relievers 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 2 or 3 days after the injury. This will help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Although heat, particularly moist heat, can help loosen cramped muscles, it should not be applied too quickly.
Other treatment options include: · Massaging the tender area · Ultrasound · Cervical (neck) traction · Aerobic and isometric exercise
Most symptoms of a neck strain will decrease in four to six weeks, but a severe injury can take even longer to heal completely. For this reason, it is wise to avoid a return to contact sports until several months of being pain-free. You may also benefit from a visit to a physical therapist to ensure a safe and appropriate return to exercise.
As with any injury it is vital to seek professional medical advice if you are concerned in any way!
Terry O'Brien. Back Trouble UK.