Neck Pain
Your cervical spine, or neck, is made up of seven bones which are stacked one atop the other with a shock-absorbing disc that is found between each level. Your neck is relatively flexible so it relient on the muscles and ligaments around them for support. "Sprains" and "strains" result when these tissues are being stretched too hard or too far, very similar to when a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. The term, "sprain" means that the tough and durable ligaments that keep your bones held together have been damaged, while "strain" means that your muscles or tendons in your neck have been partially torn.
Causes Of Neck Pain
Auto accidents and sports injuries are typically the main causes of neck sprains and strains. Other less traumatic causes such as reaching, pushing, pulling, moving heavy objects and falls can also result in similar problems. Typically sprains and strains are not the result of a single event or moment but rather from repeatedly overloading a part of your body. Tendons and ligaments often manage small isolated stressors quite well, but repetitive challenges can lead to injury in a similar way to when bending a piece of copper wire will result in the wire snapping. Some examples of these less acute types of cervical sprain/strain injuries result from bad posture, poor workstations, repetitive movements, prolonged overhead activity, sedentary lifestyles, improper sleep positions, poor bra support and obesity.
Causes Of Neck Pain
Symptoms from a sprain or a strain may start suddenly or abruptly but more commonly slowly develop over a long period of time. Complaints often include a slight or dull neck pain that then builds and becomes sharper when you move your head. Although rest seems like a good idea, to much sedentary activity and lying down may result in more discomfort and stiffness. The pain is generally centered around back of your neck but is also known to spread to your shoulders as well as between your shoulder blades. Tension headaches commonly come with neck injuries. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any signs of a more serious injury, such as a severe or "different" headache, loss of consciousness, confusion or "fogginess", difficulty concentrating, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in your arms or face, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control or fever.
Getting Over Neck Pain
Sprain/strain injuries cause your normal healthy elastic tissues to be replaced with less elastic "scar tissue". When this happens often the result is that there is ongoing pain that can even lead to arthritis in some cases. Seeking early and appropriate treatment, like the type provided in our office, is critical. If you are suffering from a more severe form of injury you may need to limit some of your activities for the foreseeable future. It is typically best if for you to avoid heavy lifting and take frequent breaks from prolonged activity, particularly overhead activity. Following acute injuries, some people find relief when they apply ice for 10-15 minutes each hour. Heat may also be helpful after several days or for more chronic types of pain. Ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports-creams.
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