Neck Sprain/Strain

A sprain refers to overstretching or tearing of ligaments (connective tissue that connects bone to bone), and a strain is overstretching of muscles/tendons. There are many ligaments and muscle/tendons in the cervical spine that can become injured, including facet joint capsules, which leads to inflammation and often localized pain.  Damage to these structures can occur from falling, turning the head too quickly, motor vehicle accidents (whiplash), sports injuries, or even simply sleeping in poor positions without proper support. A sprain/strain to the neck, is similar to a sprain/strain in the ankle in regards to the healing process. We need to create an optimal environment for healing, by reducing exacerbating factors, reducing inflammation with ice and NSAIDs (check with your physician before taking new medications), and giving the neck proper support while lying down. If there are still symptoms after the initial phases of healing, the neck likely has developed stiffness within the joints, increased muscle guarding/spasms, scar tissue formation and muscle inhibition.  This is where skilled physical therapy can be beneficial to help address these impairments to decrease pain, improve range of motion, and activate the inhibited muscles to stabilize the neck.

Associated Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decrease range of motion
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty lifting head from lying down
  • Headaches
  • Radiating pain into shoulder/upper extremity

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