Neck Strain Overview

The portion of the spine contained within the neck is referred to as the cervical spine. That’s the site for injuries known as neck strain.

Unlike the rest of the spine (thoracic, lumbar, and sacral), which is relatively well protected from injury because it is enclosed by the torso, the cervical spine is more vulnerable to injury. This portion of the spine is encased in a relatively small amount of muscles and ligaments. Yet its normal function requires extensive range of motion.

The neck contains many vital anatomic structures, the most critical being the airway, the spinal cord, and the blood vessels that supply the brain. By definition, neck strain injuries do not involve serious injury to any of these vital structures and also are not associated with fractures or dislocations of any of the bones of the cervical spine. Significant injury to blood vessels and the spinal cord are also not part of the definition of a strain type of injury.

Orthopedists, doctors of the bones and joints, differentiate “sprains” from “strains.” Injuries of tissues that contract and move, such as muscles, tendons, and their attachments into bones, are termed strains (for example, tendonitis occurs when tendons are involved). Similar injuries to inert (or nonmoving) structures, such as ligaments, joint capsules, nerves, bursae, blood vessels, and cartilage, are termed sprains. Some people, however, use both terms interchangeably.

To be consistent here, the term strain will be used. Both strains and sprains of the neck may involve tears to ligaments covering the cervical vertebrae, the many muscles of the neck (which move the head), and many other associated structures. They may also result in injury to cervical nerves caused by stretching or compression.

The neck is an area where stability has been sacrificed for mobility, making it particularly vulnerable to injury. Because you can be injured in a number of different ways, a detailed medical and job history (including an analysis of work activity) is often needed to ascertain the likelihood of a severe injury. It also helps to predict how long your recovery will take and what your prognosis will be following an injury.

A thorough physical examination is necessary, particularly in instances where symptoms of nerve injury occur. Other studies using the latest computerized imaging methods and other techniques may also be helpful.

Seeing a doctor is vital for all strains with a significant mechanism of injury or for severe, persistent, or unexplained symptoms or problems. As with other conditions, supportive self-care is often enough for you to have a complete recovery.

Neck Strain Causes

Neck strains result from acute injury to the neck. Such injuries are caused most often by the indirect trauma when the head is flung backward (hyperextension) or forward (hyperflexion), collectively known as whiplash. Injuries caused by rotation and compression (when the force of impact lands on the top of the head) can also result in neck strains.

• Automobile accidents are responsible for many whiplash injuries because of hyperextension or hyperflexion. A common scenario is when a seat-belted person’s head continues to move forward during a frontal impact and is then often thrown backward (the converse is also true). Side impacts typically result in bending of the head to that side, and rear impact tends to throw the head backward. Any or all of these movements usually result in whiplash.

• People with occupations requiring repetitive or prolonged neck extension (microtrauma) may develop neck strain injury. Picture someone sitting at a computer keyboard, for example, straining to see a monitor that is not adjusted properly for the person’s posture. Also, the person may be trying to see the monitor through poorly adjusted bifocal lenses and must tip the chin upward to view the screen. Now tuck a telephone into the person’s shoulder for much of the day, and you have a formula for neck strain.
• Some people appear prone to neck strain injuries merely as the result of an abnormal posture while awake or asleep with pain syndromes that can be severe, chronic, and quite disabling.

Neck Strain Symptoms

The cardinal symptom of neck strain is pain. Although you typically have pain after an accident, it is not uncommon for you to be free of discomfort initially, because inflammatory changes may happen slowly. The presence of immediate pain at the time of injury should serve as a red flag that the injuries may be more severe than first thought.

Other symptoms include the inability to perform daily work or activities that you could do before. Be wary of symptoms suggesting nerve problems such as weakness, numbness, tingling, incoordination, and dizziness.

Neck stiffness usually occurs and may radiate into the lower back when severe. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and breathing occur rarely. You should contact your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Maybe the above seems too “chim”. Or you are not medically trained or simply think that I’m “chao geng”.

So do allow me to explain in simple layman terms.

What is neck strain?

A strain is a tear of a muscle or tendon. Your neck is surrounded by small muscles, that run close to the vertebrae, and larger muscles, that make up the visible muscles of the neck.

How does it occur?

Neck strains most often occur when the head and neck are forcibly moved, such as in a whiplash injury or from contact in sports. Sometimes strains can occur from an awkward position during sleep or poor posture while working at a computer.

Common symptoms of a neck sprain include:

• Pain in the back of the neck that increases with any movement
• Pain on the sides of the neck
• Delayed onset neck pain that shows up 24 to 48 hours after a neck injury
• Muscle spasms or pain in the upper regions of the shoulders back and shoulders
• Headache at the back of the head
• Sore throat
• Irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and difficulty concentrating
• Stiffness / decreased range of motion in the neck
• Tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands or arms

Treatment

It is important to have a doctor evaluate your injury to rule out anything serious. Once a diagnosis of sprain or strain is confirmed, the treatment is the same as other soft tissue injuries.

Immediate relief and early treatment can be attained by following this treatment plan;
R est
I ce
C ompresstion
E levation

Neck sprains are painful and can take a long time to heal, so you may need to wear a soft cervical collar to help support the head and relieve pressure on the neck while ligaments heal, also avoid any heavy duty physical activity which involves the neck or upper body region as this could lead to a more serious injury.

Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce the pain and any swelling. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed by your doctor to help reduce muscle spasms. Applying ice to the neck several times a day, for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time, for up to three days after the injury will help reduce inflammation and pain. Do not apply heat in the early stages of the injury as heat increases the circulation and increase swelling.

As mentioned earlier most symptoms of a neck strain will decrease in four to six weeks, but a severe injury can take even longer to heal completely. For this reason, it is wise to avoid a return to contact sports until several months of being pain-free. You may also benefit from a visit to a physical therapist to ensure a safe and appropriate return to exercise.

So please STOP ASKING ME WHY IT TAKES SO LONG TO RECOVER.

& KINDLY GO AND READ UP ABOUT IT BEFORE ASSUMING ANYTHING!

I DON’T WANT SUCH THINGS TO HAPPEN TOO.

CURRENTLY I AM PURSUING A CLAIM AGAINST THE AUTHORITY.

JUST BLAME MYSELF FOR BEING AT THAT LOCATION WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED.