Neck pain is a medical condition that affects the cervical spine and is rather common. Neck problems can be caused by a neck injury (which can affect both the head and neck), pinched nerve causing nerve pain (commonly referred to as radiculopathy), or poor posture due to leaning over the desk, computer or mobile phone (especially at work). Spondylosis, which is degeneration of the spinal structures, can also often lead to sharp neck pain or stiffness.
However, strains and sprains are also commonly observed neck pain causes and reasons.
Neck Strain
This occurs when fibres in a muscle or tendon that support and move the head & neck stretch and become torn. The intensity of the pain varies with the size of the tear as well as its location.
As the neck is capable of an extensive range of movement, it is very susceptible to injury. This also makes it less stable than other joints of the body. Many important structures pass through the neck, including the main blood vessels, the trachea or the windpipe and important cranial nerves, as well as the spinal cord. These aren’t usually damaged in a neck sprain or a strain.
Neck Sprain
A neck sprain is different from a strain in that it affects ligaments rather than muscles. Ligaments are band like structures that hold the bones together at the joints. They provide support to the joints and hold them in place, preventing the bones from getting displaced during movement. A sprain may be caused spontaneously, or it might occur after a sudden impact with an object.
Common causes of Neck Strain or Sprain
- Poor posture/ hunching over/ awkward position while awake or during sleep.
- Occupation requiring repetitive or prolonged neck extension
- Lifting heavy weights
- Fall, injury, accident (specially whip-lash injury that occurs after collusion, as in a car crash or a road traffic accident)
Signs and Symptoms
- Throbbing or sharp pain occurs in the neck region, which may worsens with movement. It may also be felt in the surrounding neck areas like the back of the head, shoulders or upper back
- Inability to perform day-to-day activities or limitation of movement
- Stiff neck, sometimes to the point where you cannot stretch your neck or turn your head
- Muscle spasms
When You Shouldn’t Ignore It
You must seek medical attention if any of the following happens:
- Neck pain gets more severe
- Neck stiffness
- Pain does not improve with home remedies and rest
- Severe pain at night
- Persistent spasms in the neck muscles
- Pain that affects daily activities and quality of life
- Wry neck
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When to Consult Your Doctor?
It is best to consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms that indicate a serious problem:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Neck stiffness
- Severe pain in the neck
- Persistent neck pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Visual disturbances
- Poor balance
- Breathing difficulty
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
These symptoms usually occur after a severe neck injury, as in a car accident, and require a visit to the health care professional for appropriate treatment.
Reaching a Diagnosis
Diagnosis is reached after a thorough history taking and a physical examination by the medical professional. While taking history, the doctor may ask question like how and when the pain started, for how long it has persisted and some other related information. In a physical examination, the doctor may inspect, palpate and auscultate (if necessary) the affected region in order to help reach a conclusion and provide a diagnosis.
He/she will check the range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes and check for sensations. Some diagnostic tests may be needed if the underlying cause is serious and further investigation is warranted. These include an X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) scan.
Seeking medical advice before proceeding to the treatment phase is important because it may rule out other conditions with overlapping symptoms (such as degenerative disc disease, which is caused by the wear and tear of one or more spinal discs), as well as other types of neck pain.
Home Remedies for Neck Strain or Sprain
The following remedies may work if the neck pain is not too severe and did not occur due to a serious injury:
- Bed rest
- Cervical collar (if advised)
- Hot or cold fomentation in the area with the pain
- Change of posture while at work or during sleep
- Sleep with a rolled up towel under the neck
- Exercises to stretch the neck joints, neck bones (called cervical vertebrae) and to relieve muscle pain
- Activity modification
Other Treatment Options
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Manual manipulation
- Acupuncture
- Pain relievers in the form of pain medication (muscle relaxants may be given in case of a neck sprain)
If the neck strain is due to a serious condition like a car accident or a sports injury, more specialized medical attention and care may be needed, and it might take longer to heal.
Author: Spinal Backrack
