Cervical Sprain - NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center

Causes of Cervical Sprains

Stress on the cervical spine can damage the soft tissues in your neck. An accident or activity can trigger the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion, causing a sprain. These types of activities include:

Trauma from a car accident
Falling from a height onto your head or neck, even on soft ground
A sudden increase in physical activity, especially without warming up
A physical assault to your neck or head
Excessive over-the-head motions, such as in certain sports or occupations

If you suffer whiplash, a sudden head jerking motion, you may not always notice an obvious injury. Amusement park rides and contact sports may also cause head jerking. You can hurt your neck muscles by remaining in an uncomfortable position for a long period of time or sleeping with a pillow that’s too firm or high.

Symptoms of a Cervical Sprain

When you have a cervical sprain, you may have neck pain and muscle spasms in your neck. Other symptoms of a cervical sprain include:

Pain in the back of your neck that worsens with movement
Headaches, usually in the back of your head
Tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms and hands
Stiffness and a decreased range of motion in your neck

Your pain may become apparent only a day or so after an injury, rather than being noticeable immediately. If you have a cervical sprain, you may have trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. You may also have shoulder pain and muscle spasms.

Treatments for a Cervical Sprain

To diagnose a cervical sprain, your doctor tests your neck for tenderness and measures your range of motion. Following a medical history, where you can mention any accidents you’ve had or when your neck pain began, a thorough specialist may order x-rays or other imaging studies. Minor neck injuries often heal with a conservative approach to treatment, so your doctor may recommend:

Ice applications. Apply an ice pack several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes for the first two or three days after a neck injury.

Over-the-counter pain medications. Aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve minor pain and swelling.

Muscle relaxants. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to ease any muscle spasms so your neck can start to heal.

Gentle stretching. Doing gentle stretching exercises helps increase your range of motion, as long as they don’t cause any pain.

Physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist strengthens your neck area and can even prevent future injuries.

Avoid any positions or activities that worsen your pain. Massage may help to relieve pain that isn’t severe. Your doctor may advise you to wear a cervical collar to support your head and give the ligaments time to fully heal. Follow your doctor’s instructions to heal faster.

New Jersey Pain Management Experts

If you have more than minor neck pain, don’t wait before consulting a medical professional. Neck injuries can lead to serious complications, so visit Redefine Healthcare for a careful evaluation of your condition. By addressing the source of your neck pain, whether it’s a sprain or something more serious, the best pain doctors in NJ take care of your pain.

The highly skilled pain management specialists in northern New Jersey are dedicated to helping you if you’ve had an injury or you’re living with degenerative ailments. Contact the practice today to schedule an appointment to find the cause of your pain and the best course of treatment for you. Don’t suffer neck pain when treatment is so close.