Treatment
How neck pain is treated depends on the diagnosis. However, most patients are treated successfully with rest, medication, immobilization, physical therapy, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods.
If medication is prescribed to reduce pain, it should be used only as directed and should not be taken for extended periods of time. In addition, if doctor prescribes rest, it is vital that you follow these instructions carefully.
When neck pain persists or is chronic, your doctor A+OSM Center may recommend a rehabilitation program that includes an exercise program ,manual and electrol therapy to help relieve your pain and prevent it from coming back.
Very few patients require surgery to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disk or bony narrowing of the spinal canal or after injury.
Neck Sprain
The seven bones of the spinal column in the neck (cervical vertebrae) are connected to each other by ligaments–strong bands of tissue that act like thick rubber bands. A sprain (stretch) or tear can occur in one or more of these ligaments when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle accident or a hard fall, causes the neck to extend to an extreme position.
- Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement
- Pain that peaks a day or so after the injury, instead of immediately
- Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder
- Headache in the back of the head
- Increased irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating
- Numbness in the arm or hand
- Neck stiffness or decreased range of motion (side to side, up and down, circular)
- Tingling or weakness in the arms
Diagnosis
To diagnosis a neck sprain, doctor at A+OSM Center will perform a comprehensive physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will ask you how the injury occurred, measure the range of motion of your neck, and check for any point tenderness.
Radiographs (X-rays) may be requested so the doctor can look closely at the bones in your neck. This evaluation will help the doctor rule out or identify other sources of neck pain, such as spinal fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and other serious conditions.
Treatment
Neck sprains, like other sprains, will usually heal gradually, given time and appropriate treatment. You may have to wear a soft collar (not always necessary) around your neck to help support the head and relieve pressure on the ligaments so they have time to heal.
You can apply an ice pack for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first 2 or 3 days after the injury. This will help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Although heat, particularly moist heat, can help loosen cramped muscles, it should not be applied too quickly. Other treatment options include:
- Physiotherapy
- Massaging the tender area
- Ultrasound
- Isometric exercise
Most symptoms of neck sprain will go away in 4 to 6 weeks. However, severe injuries, may take longer to heal completely.