Cervical sprains are neck injuries caused by excessive stretching of muscles or joints in the spinal cord, often due to whiplash or contact sports. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Mild cases can be treated at home, while severe cases may require surgery. Strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of further injury.
A cervical sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the neck. This neck injury affects an upper part of the spine and can be caused by a variety of factors, including motor vehicle accidents and injuries acquired while playing contact sports. The type of sprain can have different levels of severity. Minor sprains can cause pain and swelling but may be treatable at home depending on the condition.
A sprain of this type occurs when the muscles or joints in the spinal cord stretch beyond their normal limits due to excessively extended movement of the neck. This form of stretching causes tension and small tears in the neck muscles or ligaments. Sudden movements such as whiplash, a common occurrence during traffic accidents, can cause cervical spine injury.
Participation in contact sports can also increase the risk of suffering from a cervical sprain. Often referred to as sports injuries, these incidents are among the most common causes of a neck sprain. Some individuals may also experience symptoms due to repetitive activities, poor sitting posture, falling or improper lifting. Misalignment of the spine can put pressure on the nerves, causing irritation to this sprain. This causes a variety of symptoms including painful movements, bruising, headaches, muscle spasms, and inflammation in the area where the sprain is.
When a cervical sprain occurs, the neck may have a limited range of motion due to swelling. Mild cases of this injury may only involve tearing the ligaments while the neck and spine continue to function normally. Ligament ruptures are a sign of moderate neck injury, causing a partial loss of neck function. Mild to moderate cases can usually be treated at home with ice to reduce swelling. Pain medications and gentle stretching exercises can also help heal the injury. A doctor can provide a cervical collar to immobilize the neck, reducing nerve pressure and relaxing muscles during the healing process.
In some cases, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving agents may be prescribed by a doctor along with muscle relaxants if the injury causes a spasm. You may need surgery to fix a cervical sprain if it hasn’t healed within a few days. In these cases, the sprain is often severe and there is a complete loss of neck function. The ligament is probably damaged beyond repair at home and may have separated from the spinal bone. The healing time for a cervical sprain can be up to six weeks or more depending on its severity. Strengthening your muscles using different range of motion exercises can reduce your risk of further injury.
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