Neck Strain Causes and Treatment

Whiplash is a condition caused by injury to the soft-tissue structures of the neck. Usually, whiplash is a strain of the tendons or a sprain of the ligaments that move and support the head and neck.

Often whiplash occurs after a sudden, unexpected extension and flexion of the neck, such as during a car crash. While different from whiplash, neck muscle strains can result from having your neck in an awkward position, such as sleeping in a chair.

Why the Neck Is Vulnerable

The neck is prone to whiplash injuries because of the structure of the cervical spine. The cervical vertebrae are connected with ligaments and supported by muscles.

Together, these structures provide the head with support and work together to allow a wide range of motions. When your neck muscles or ligaments are injured, the resulting pain can seriously interfere with your daily life. That's why whiplash injuries are so problematic.

Treatment

A brief period of resting your neck may help alleviate the initial pain and spasm of your neck muscles after a whiplash injury. This is an important aspect of treatment. However, prolonged rest may cause stiffness, so be sure to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider or physical therapist when it comes to rest and activity.

A few other simple steps may help your neck strain symptoms:

• Apply ice packs and heat pads intermittently
• Try an anti-inflammatory medication
• Consider physical therapy for stretching and exercises

If it is clear that your symptoms are due to a simple neck strain or ligament sprain, then these steps should help your condition.

If these conservative measures do not alleviate your symptoms, you should let your healthcare provider know that your symptoms are persistent.

Symptoms That Indicate Something Other Than Whiplash

There are many other conditions that can cause neck pain, some of which are serious and require medical attention.

Warning signs that signal the need for further evaluation include:

• Weakness of the hands or arms: These symptoms may be due to compression of the spinal cord or the spinal nerves which exit the cord. Some causes include ruptured discs and spinal stenosis. This can also be caused by other conditions like carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Numbness or abnormal sensations in the hands and arms: These symptoms can be caused by injury to the spinal cord or nerves.
• Systemic symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fevers, chills, or sweats can be signs of an infection or a tumor.
• Lack of improvement over time: If your neck pain continues to be problematic, you should have further evaluation.

Chronic conditions (such as arthritis and osteoporosis) and acute problems (such as fractures) can cause symptoms similar to a neck strain.