A neck sprain is a common injury caused by stretching or tearing a ligament in the neck, resulting in pain and swelling. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatories, and gentle exercises to aid in recovery. Symptoms can be relieved within four to six weeks.
A neck sprain is a common injury in sports, as well as in accidents involving motor vehicle collisions or a sudden fall. A ligament is usually stretched beyond its normal limits in a neck sprain, and sometimes the ligament can be torn, causing a more severe type of strain. Neck sprains are treatable through relaxation and activities free from sudden movements or jerks of the neck muscles. Anti-inflammatories and massage are also included in the treatment of a sprained neck to help release the pain associated with the torn ligament and tissue.
When a neck sprain occurs, a ligament in the neck is stretched or torn, creating inflammation in the muscles and tissue in the neck that causes pain and swelling. Many times a sprained neck is the result of whiplash during an injury involving a collision with another person or vehicle. Neck sprains are also linked to sudden falls, but this doesn’t often cause the torn tissue that a whiplash reaction would produce. The neck may become stiff and immobile from the injury due to the pain it produces and possibly due to temporary loss of function in the torn or stretched ligaments in the neck.
The symptoms of a neck sprain are quite obvious, however, there are some symptoms that do not fall into the typical neck injury category. The most common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, as well as muscle spasms and numbness in the neck and upper shoulder areas. Uncommon symptoms of a neck sprain could be a headache in the back of the head, a sore throat, and difficulty concentrating on simple tasks. Seeing a doctor is advised at the first sign of any unwanted changes in the body following an injury to the neck or vertebral areas.
Neck sprains are usually treated with plenty of rest to help ligaments recover and the tissue of the neck muscles heal. Hot and cold compresses may also be used to reduce swelling in the neck muscles, and anti-inflammatory medications and foods may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain. A gentle massage from an experienced physical therapist or other neck stretching exercises can also be used to reduce pain and aid in the recovery process. Symptoms of a common neck sprain can be relieved within four to six weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
