A sprained neck is a troublesome health problem that causes severe pain. A sprain may occur in the neck without any obvious injury, but sometimes it may be the result of a sudden collision with an object. The trauma may force the neck to stretch quickly beyond its normal range, and then come back strongly. .
Rear car crashes, head shaking during amusement park rides, or kicking are among the most common forms of trauma that can cause a sprain to the neck, according to a report by the US Cleveland website.
How is a neck sprain diagnosed?
The physical exam will review your posture, mobility, and the position of your head and chin. The doctor will check the blood vessels in your neck and may listen for them with a stethoscope. He or she can also check for::
Your neck’s range of motion
Strength of your arm muscles
your reactions
Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans may be used (CT) Or an MRI (MRI).
An MRI is a painless test that produces very clear pictures or images of the human body without the use of X-rays. An MRI uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images..
A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines several computer-aided X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of the body..
What are the symptoms of a sprain in the neck?
You’ll feel neck pain that gets worse with movement. Sometimes this pain doesn’t appear until a full day or two after the event that caused it. You will most likely have a stiff neck that hampers your ability to move your neck. The back of your head may hurt. You may also feel pain in the shoulders or upper back. Other symptoms that may occur with a sprained neck include::
- Dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- exhaustion
- Incomplete numbness in the hands or arms
If you notice these symptoms after an injury-type accident, see a doctor for an evaluation to rule out a more serious problem, such as spinal cord damage, arm or leg weakness, difficulty walking, and inability to control the bladder or bowels are signs of a spinal cord injury. If you feel immediate pain in the neck after the accident, go to the emergency room.
How is a sprained neck treated?
Pain, inflammation and stress can be treated with:
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Ice for the first 24 hours, followed by heat applied to the neck through a wet towel
- muscle relaxants
- Gentle neck movement is encouraged Range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a physical therapist.
- You may want to try sleeping with a towel rolled under your neck for comfort.