Neck Sprain
Article by John Miller
Neck Sprain
What is a Neck Sprain?
A neck sprain, neck spasms, neck muscle strain, or simply neck muscle pain, are common conditions.
Neck sprains are perhaps the most frequent cause of neck pain, and the good news is that they heal and rehabilitate quickly.
What Causes Neck Sprain?
Most neck sprains are related to muscles, ligaments, or joints. Muscle fatigue (resulting from poor posture, extended sitting or sleeping, such as wry neck), heavy lifting, and high-speed injuries (like whiplash or concussions) are the primary culprits. Common causes of neck injuries involve strained neck muscles, sprained ligaments, or dysfunctional neck joints, especially when pain emerges abruptly during or after physical activity.
The causes of neck pain can be categorised as follows:
Neck Muscle Strain
Neck muscle pain is the leading source of neck discomfort, often linked to muscle fatigue, excessive loads, or improper posture during lifting or sitting.
Posture Fatigue
Poor posture while sitting, standing, or lifting at work can strain your neck and spine. Muscle fatigue or overextension can stretch ligaments and discs, putting pressure on spinal joint muscles and nerves, leading to neck or back pain.
Neck Ligament Sprains
Ligaments are robust, fibrous bands that limit movement at each spinal level. Stretching them too far or too fast can result in tearing, leading to swelling, spasms, and pain. Common causes include awkward lifting, sports injuries, and motor vehicle accidents like whiplash.
Symptoms of Neck Sprain
Neck muscle pain symptoms range from a mild ache, stiffness, spasms, muscle knots, to sudden, severe neck pain and even shoulder or shoulder blade pain.
Typical neck sprain symptoms include:
- Localised neck pain and stiffness.
- Neck muscle tenderness, tightness, knots, or spasms.
You may feel better when at rest or with neck support, but changing your neck’s position, such as looking down, up, or sideways, can be painful.
Warning Signs of a More Serious Neck Injury
In severe cases or if you experience constant, intense neck pain, pins and needles or numbness, it may indicate a more substantial injury, like a disc bulge or pinched nerve. These can affect your upper and lower limb function, and in severe instances, even your bladder or bowel control. In such cases, consult your nearest hospital, doctor, or physiotherapist.
Neurological signs:
- pins and needles (paraesthesia) in your neck or arm
- numbness (anaesthesia) in your neck or arm,
- arm or leg muscle weakness,
- altered tendon reflexes (e.g. biceps to triceps jerk),
- difficulty lifting arms overhead or walking,
- loss of control of the bladder or bowels.
Neck Sprain Diagnosis
Distinguishing between a neck muscle strain and ligament sprain can be challenging due to their similar symptoms. Seek the professional guidance of a healthcare practitioner, like your neck physiotherapist, to accurately assess your condition. Diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be recommended to determine the extent of your injury.
Neck Sprain Treatment
Get a Professional Diagnosis!
Consult a spinal health professional, such as a physiotherapist, for a thorough evaluation of your neck. While pain relief is a primary goal, addressing your injury comprehensively is essential to prevent future recurrence.
Neck Sprain Treatment Goals
PHASE I – Pain Relief & Protection
Your initial focus in neck sprain treatment is pain management and protection. Various tools may be employed to alleviate pain and inflammation, including ice, electrotherapy, taping techniques, soft tissue massage, and back braces. Medication, such as ibuprofen, may also be recommended.
PHASE II – Restoring Normal ROM, Strength
Once pain and inflammation subside, your physiotherapist will concentrate on restoring normal neck motion, muscle strength, endurance, and joint position sense. They will design a muscle stability program tailored to your specific needs.
PHASE III – Restoring Full Function
Recovery aims to restore your function for a safe return to daily activities or sports. Your treatment will be personalised based on your unique demands.
PHASE IV – Preventing Neck Pain Recurrence
Preventing a recurring neck pain is crucial, often linked to insufficient rehabilitation. Regular exercises targeting deep neck flexor muscles can enhance neck stability and minimise the risk of re-injury.
Neck Pain Treatment Options
Your physiotherapist can discuss various treatment options, depending on the source of your symptoms, such as joint techniques, stretches, strengthening, posture improvement, acupuncture or dry needling, massage etc. Please be guided by their professional care.
Recovery Expectations
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for a quicker recovery. While pure neck muscle pain can improve within a week or two with proper management, prolonged pain may signal an underlying issue.
Most individuals recover from neck pain within 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary based on the nature of the injury and your treatment plan.
Preventing Recurring Neck Pain
If you’ve experienced neck pain before, you’re at a higher risk of recurrence. Following your physiotherapist’s guidance and maintaining proper posture and lifting techniques can help reduce this risk. Discuss your daily activities with your physiotherapist to learn how to minimise the risk of injury based on your specific condition and weaknesses.
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Neck Pain Causes
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain is a widespread issue that can affect your daily activities. It ranges from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, and is often linked to various neck pain causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, or injuries. Left untreated, neck pain can interfere with your quality of life, making it difficult to move your head or perform everyday tasks.
Anatomy of the Neck
The neck or cervical spine consists of seven small vertebrae that support the head. It includes muscles, joints, discs, and nerves that work together to enable movement and stability. Understanding the structure of the neck helps explain why certain factors lead to neck pain causes, such as neck joint injuries, facet joint pain, or wry neck.
Neck Pain Causes
Neck pain causes are unique to the individual but there are some common contributors:
- Muscle Strain – Often due to overuse, such as spending long hours hunched over a computer or smartphone. Muscle strain can lead to muscle-related injuries, like neck sprain.
- Poor Neck Posture – Sitting or standing with poor alignment can put strain on neck muscles and joints, contributing to conditions like text neck.
- Whiplash Injuries – Sudden movements, like those in car accidents, can cause whiplash, leading to neck strain or sprain.
- Degenerative Neck Conditions – As you age, the cervical discs can wear down, leading to conditions like degenerative disc disease or bulging, or herniated discs. Likewise your facet joints and bones deteriorate resulting in cervical spondylosis.
- Pinched Nerves – A compressed nerve in the neck can cause radiating pain, often felt down the arm, commonly known as cervical radiculopathy or nerve-related/referred arm pain.
- Cervicogenic Dizziness – Neck pain linked to dizziness or balance problems is referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.
- Occupational Factors – Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or awkward positions at work can trigger neck pain. Consider an online office ergonomic assessment for workplace adjustments.
- Other Neck Pain Causes - There are multi-source neck pain causes that can indirectly or directly cause neck pain. Some of these occur without a known injury but it is important to address these components for successful neck pain management.
Neck-Origin Headaches
Neck-origin headaches, also known as cervicogenic headaches, are caused by issues in the neck, such as muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation. These headaches typically start at the base of the skull and radiate to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, or neck injuries can trigger these headaches. Physiotherapy treatments, such as targeted exercises and manual therapy, can effectively reduce symptoms by addressing the root cause in the neck.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of neck pain, including poor posture, prolonged computer use, stress, and ageing. Bone-related injuries like osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, or scoliosis are also common in older individuals. Athletes who engage in contact sports are at higher risk for conditions like facet joint pain.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your neck pain is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or persistent headaches, it’s important to seek medical attention. These may be signs of more serious conditions, such as herniated discs, or other disc-related injuries. That is why profession assessment to determine your neck pain causes is important.
Read more: When is Neck Pain Serious?
Diagnosis and Tests
When visiting a physiotherapist or healthcare professional for neck pain, you may undergo a physical examination, along with imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify the root cause. Your physiotherapist will assess your range of motion and determine any nerve pain or muscle issues contributing to the condition.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of your neck pain and may include physiotherapy, massage, or in severe cases, surgery. Common conditions like wry neck may respond well to targeted physiotherapy exercises, while others, such as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, or rheumatoid arthritis may require additional medical intervention.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing neck pain starts with good posture. Ensure your work environment supports proper alignment, and take regular breaks if you sit for long periods. Posture improvement products and ergonomic chairs can help prevent future issues.
Long-Term Management
Chronic neck pain requires ongoing management through lifestyle changes, regular physiotherapy, and exercise. Incorporating stretches and exercises into your daily routine can help maintain flexibility and strength, reducing the risk of pain recurrence. Neck pain products such as neck pillows and supports may also assist in managing discomfort.
Latest Research on Neck Pain
Teichert et al. (2023) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, finding moderate-certainty evidence that physiotherapy exercises reduce the risk of neck pain within 12 months. The review included five trials with 1,722 participants, mostly office workers, comparing exercise interventions to minimal or no intervention. The results showed exercise nearly halved the risk of neck pain (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.76). Despite some sensitivity concerns, the study supports physiotherapy exercises as an effective short-term prevention strategy for neck pain.
What to Do Next?
If you’re experiencing neck pain, seek advice from your physiotherapist. Early intervention can help prevent long-term problems and improve your quality of life. A physiotherapist can create a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.
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Book Online: SandgateNeck Pain Causes FAQs
Can neck pain be prevented?
Yes, neck pain can often be prevented with proper posture, regular exercise, and ergonomic adjustments to your daily routine.
Read more: Preventing Neck Pain with Posture Changes
What causes neck pain when looking down?
Neck pain when looking down is often due to poor posture, such as sitting hunched over a desk or device. Strengthening your neck and back muscles can help alleviate the pain.
Read more: Posture-Related Neck Pain
When should I worry about neck pain?
Seek medical advice if your neck pain persists for more than a few days, or if it’s accompanied by numbness, weakness, or severe headaches.
Read more: When to Seek Help for Neck Pain
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Neck Pain FAQs
Your Comprehensive Guide
General Neck Pain FAQs
Concerned About Neck Pain - When Should You Be?
- Learn the signs indicating when neck pain warrants a healthcare professionals visit.
Neck Pain Causes - What Are The Common Culprits?
- Explore the most frequent causes of neck pain.
Preventing Neck Pain - How Can You Avoid Neck Pain in the First Place?
- Discover strategies to prevent neck pain before it starts.
Text Neck - What Is It Exactly?
- Understand how modern technology contributes to neck pain.
Cervical Radiculopathy - How Does It Feel?
- Get insights into the symptoms and impact of cervical radiculopathy.
Age and Neck Pain - Is Neck Pain More Common as You Get Older?
- Find out how aging affects neck pain.
FAQs on Neck Treatment
Your Road to Relief Relieving Neck Pain - What Can You Do?
- Explore various methods to relieve neck pain.
Dealing with a Wry Neck - Can You Fix It?
- Learn about treatments and remedies for a wry neck.
Banishing Neck and Arm Pain - How's It Possible?
- Understand the connection between neck and arm pain and how to alleviate it.
Physiotherapy FAQs - What to Expect from Physiotherapy for Neck Pain?
- Know what to expect from physiotherapy sessions for neck pain.
Medication FAQs - When is Medication Necessary for Neck Pain?
- Learn about the role of medication in managing neck pain.
Surgery FAQs - When is Neck Surgery Considered as an Option?
- Find out when surgery becomes a necessary option for neck pain.
Neck Exercises
Exercise FAQs - What Neck Exercises Can Help Alleviate Discomfort?
- Discover exercises that can help in reducing neck discomfort.
Strengthening and Stabilising Your Neck - How It's Done
- Learn techniques to strengthen and stabilise your neck.
Stretching FAQs - How Can Stretching Benefit Your Neck Health?
- Understand the benefits of neck stretching exercises.
Neck, Vertigo & Dizziness FAQs
Can Your Neck Trigger Vertigo or Dizziness?
- Explore the link between neck issues and vertigo or dizziness.
Headache FAQs
Solving Neck-Related Headaches
- Find solutions for headaches caused by neck problems.
Bid Farewell to Neck Headaches - How to Do It
- Learn strategies to overcome neck-related headaches.
Posture FAQs
Correcting Years of Poor Posture
- Get tips on how to correct long-standing poor posture.
Improving Your Posture - What Steps to Take
- Understand the steps necessary for improving your posture.
Posture Improvement Products & FAQs - Your Posture Allies
- Discover products that can aid in improving your posture.
Lifestyle and Ergonomics FAQs
How Can Your Daily Habits Affect Neck Health?
- Learn how everyday habits impact neck health.
Pillow FAQs
Finding the Perfect Pillow
- Tips on how to find the ideal pillow for neck support.
Pillows: The Ultimate Guide
- A comprehensive guide to choosing the right pillow.
Healthiest Sleeping Postures - What Are They?
- Understand the best sleeping postures for neck health.
Choosing the Best Pillow - What Works for You?
- Guidance on selecting the best pillow based on individual needs.
Identifying an Unsupportive Pillow - The Telltale Signs
- Learn the signs of a pillow that doesn't provide adequate support.