�Diseases, Conditions and Injuries

Neck Sprain

by Amy Scholten, MPH

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Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention | Organizations

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En Espa�ol (Spanish Version)

Definition

A neck sprain is partial tearing of the ligaments of the neck. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.

Causes

A neck sprain results from a sudden movement that causes the neck to extend or flex too far. Causes include:

• Car accidents (Rapid deceleration causes the head and neck to snap forward and then backward.)
• A blow to the head
• Strain of the upper back or shoulder

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease, condition or injury. Risk factors for neck sprain include:

• Playing contact sports
• Reckless driving
• Weak neck muscles and ligaments
• Lack of preventive driving and caution around other drivers

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain, especially in the back of the neck, that gets worse with movement
• Shoulder pain and muscle spasms
• Tingling sensations or weakness in the arms
• Headache, especially in the back of the head
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Sore throat
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the head:
  • Side to side
  • Up and down
  • In a circular motion

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your neck. The doctor will examine your neck to assess its stability and the severity of the injury. Diagnosis depends on ruling out other sources of neck pain such as dislocations, spinal fractures, arthritis, and cervical disc disease.

Tests may include:

• X-rays � to make sure that no bones are broken
• MRI scan � to see if a ligament has torn completely or if there is any damage to cervical discs (less common)

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Cervical Collar �Wearing this soft neck brace supports the head and takes pressure off the neck. These are worn only as long as recommended by your health care professional because prolonged use can weaken neck muscles.

Medication � Muscles relaxants may be prescribed to ease muscle spasms. In addition, a medication to relieve pain and inflammation may be recommended such as:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin

Ice � Apply ice or a cold pack to the neck for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.

Heat � Moist heat, helps loosen tight or injured muscles. Only apply a heat pack after any swelling has gone away.

Massage � Massage helps to increase circulation and reduce tension.

Cervical Traction � May be used intermittently to decrease pain and reduce muscle spasm as directed by a physical therapist.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of neck sprain:

• Drive carefully to avoid car accidents.
• Avoid contact sports.
• Do exercises that strengthen the neck muscles.

ORGANIZATIONS:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

SOURCES:

Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care. Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1993.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Triage Reviewed by EBSCO Medical Review Board in September 2005