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Neck Sprain

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Health & Wellness
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBADec 03, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Cervical Sprain
  • Grade I Neck Sprain
  • Sprained Neck

What is Neck Sprain? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The spinal column within the neck (cervical vertebrae) is made up of seven bones, each connected by muscles and ligaments. A Neck Sprain is an injury that results when the ligaments within the neck are stretched or torn
  • Neck Sprains are usually caused by a sudden movement of the neck, associated with a hard fall, participation in sports, or automobile accidents
  • Young athletes, who are physically active, have a high rate of occurrence of this condition
  • A majority of the Neck Sprain injuries are treated using conservative measures and do not require any surgery. The prognosis of the condition is usually excellent, when adequately treated

3 grades of severity are associated with Neck Sprains. These are:

  • Grade I Neck Sprain: This occurs, when the ligaments of the neck are stretched, but not torn
  • Grade II Neck Sprain: This occurs, when the ligaments of the wrist are partially torn, limiting function and range of motion of the neck
  • Grade III Neck Sprain: This occurs, when the ligaments of the neck are completely torn, necessitating immediate medical and surgical treatment

Who gets Neck Sprain? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Neck Sprains may occur in individuals of all age, race, and ethnic groups
  • Both males and females are affected; although, there is a predilection for females, who are affected more
  • This condition occurs more commonly in young athletes, who are physically active

What are the Risk Factors for Neck Sprain? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Neck Sprains include:

  • Participation in rough, high velocity sports, such as football, wrestling
  • Occupations that place individuals at risk for serious falls or automobile accidents, such as construction, driving

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Neck Sprain? (Etiology)

Some common causes of a Neck Sprain include:

  • Sudden movement of the neck due to an automobile accident (whiplash injury)
  • Direct blow to the head
  • Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
  • Upper back or shoulder strain

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Neck Sprain?

The pain one experiences with a Sprain of the Neck depends upon the severity of the injury. The signs and symptoms of a Neck Sprain include:

  • Pain behind the neck that gets worse with movement
  • Upper shoulder pain and muscle spasms
  • Headache, within the back of the head (occipital headache)
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty concentrating and sleeping, being irritable
  • Feeling fatigue
  • Numbness within the arm and hand
  • Limited range of motion or neck stiffness
  • Weakness or a tingling sensation within the arms

How is Neck Sprain Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Neck Sprain include:

  • Physical examination and medical history evaluation
  • X-ray of the neck: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the neck, which can also help the physician rule out other possible causes for neck discomfort, such as a spinal fracture
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected region: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images. It allows a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue and aids in confirming a diagnosis
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected region: A CT scan takes images of the bones and soft tissue, such as ligaments, which connect the joint together. This allows a physician to examine the extent of the injury
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis to rule out the possibility of any infection

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Neck Sprain?

The complications due to a Neck Sprain may include:

  • Herniated disk within the neck
  • Permanent disability
  • Prolonged and chronic pain
  • Cervical nerve root entrapment
  • Injury to the spinal cord

How is Neck Sprain Treated?

Treatments associated with the condition include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. However, a majority of Neck Sprain injuries do not require any surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment methods for Neck Sprains include:

  • Any activity that aggravates the neck condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
  • The use of a soft collar, wrapped around the affected area to help support the head and relieve pressure, is an early treatment technique
  • Applying ice (or a damp, heated towel) to the neck can help reduce pain and swelling
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Neck Sprain. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
  • Topical therapy may be used in some cases and these include creams, lotions, and medical patches applied to the skin
  • Therapeutic ultrasound, which refers to procedures that uses ultrasound for therapeutic benefit
  • Neck massage therapy
  • Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises to obtain relief from the symptoms. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the neck muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program and regain full strength and functionality

Surgical treatment measures: Surgical treatments for Neck Sprain include treatment for complications such as herniated disc repair.

  • Usually for Grade I Neck Sprain, non-surgical treatment methods are used
  • For Grade II Neck Sprain, a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods may be needed depending upon the severity of the signs and symptoms
  • Grade III Neck Sprains may require surgical treatment to repair torn ligaments of the neck

How can Neck Sprain be Prevented?

To prevent any Neck Sprain injuries, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Neck Sprain include:

  • Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
  • Individuals should wear appropriate safety equipment, while participating in sports
  • Wear seat belt while driving or traveling in a vehicle (car or bus)

What is the Prognosis of Neck Sprain? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The long-term prognosis of an individual with a Neck Sprain is usually good in a majority of cases. With proper treatment, most individuals regain full strength and range of motion of their affected neck
  • Neck Sprains usually require 4-6 weeks to heal. However, a severe injury may require prolonged physical therapy, in order to achieve optimal results
  • If an individual has numbing or tingling sensation of the hands after a Neck Sprain, he/she should immediately seek medical attention

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Neck Sprain:

Please visit our Bone, Muscle, & Joint Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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