Understanding Neck Pain

Neck Sprains & Strains

The cervical spine, also known as the neck, is made up of seven bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between each level. The neck is actually very flexible, and it is supported by muscles and ligaments. "Sprains" and "strains" in your neck are the result of these tissues being stretched in a way that is too hard or too far, much like a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity.

The medical term, "sprain" refers to a situation where the tough, durable ligaments that hold your bones together have been damaged, while "strain" means that your muscles or tendons that move your neck have been partially torn.

Common Causes Of Neck Pain

Auto crashes and sports injuries are the two most common causes of neck sprains and strains. In other cases, less traumatic activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, moving heavy objects and falls can also trigger these problems. For most people who suffer from neck pain that is brought on by sprains and strains, the pain is not the result of any single event but rather from repeated overloading.

Tendons and ligaments can withstand these small isolated stressors for the most part, but repetitive problems can cause damage, just as repeatedly bending a piece of copper wire can cause it to snap. Some common types of these less acute types of cervical sprain/strain injuries include bad posture, poor workstations, repetitive movements, prolonged overhead activity, sedentary lifestyles, improper sleep positions, poor bra support and obesity. 

Symptoms Of Neck Pain

Symptoms from a sprain/strain can begin very suddenly but in most cases, they actually will develop gradually. Complaints about neck sprains and strains often include dull neck pain that becomes sharper when you move your head. Rest may also relieve your symptoms but can also often leads to stiffness. The pain is most often felt towards the back of the neck, but it can also radiate to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades.

Neck injuries are considered to be associated with tension headaches. If you start to experience more severe symptoms contact your doctor immediately, some of these conditions to be aware of include severe or "different" headaches, loss of consciousness, confusion or "fogginess", difficulty concentrating, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in your arms or face, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control or fever.

Getting Over Neck Pain

The problem with sprain/strain injuries is that they cause your normal healthy elastic tissue to be replaced with less elastic "scar tissue". This process can lead to ongoing pain and even arthritis in some cases. It's important to get early and adequate care for your injuries, such as the kind we offer in our office. Depending upon the severity of your injury, you may need to limit your activity for a while- especially if you are frequently experiencing pain during certain movements or activities.

If at all possible, avoid heavy lifting and take frequent breaks from long periods of operation, particularly overhead activity. Following acute injuries, you can try to add ice for 10-15 minutes each hour. Heat may be helpful ins some situations of chronic pain. Be sure to ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports-creams.

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