New England Spine Care

 

 

Neck Sprain:

The soft tissues structures of the neck are the ligaments and muscles. They provide support and protection for the underlying spinal column and spinal nerves. A stretched ligament or muscle is often a strain. This can occur with or without obvious injury.

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Symptoms of a strain can arise immediately or 1 to 2 days after a known injury. Neck pain and stiffness are common complaints. Additionally these symptoms can involve the upper back and/or shoulders. Radiating pain to the arms or numbness/tingling of the hands may suggest a more significant injury and should lead to more urgent evaluation.

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Positioning of the head, tenderness of the neck, pain and limitation of motion on direct exam help determine the significance and accurate diagnosis of a strain. Most neck strains do not require imaging tests.

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Treatment often starts with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory medications. Ice is usually the first recommended modality and then progression to using moist heat or alternating with ice. Short-term use of muscle relaxants can be of benefit but are not recommended for extended periods of time. Increasing range of motion is encouraged. Directed physical therapy also may have a place for those strains that are taking longer to heal. A towel roll may provide positional support for the neck.

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Neck strains usually resolve within a couple of weeks. Rarely are injections required for these soft tissue conditions.