View medical illustrations that help you understand pain symptoms.
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Overview | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
Like back strain, neck strain is an irritation to tendons, muscles
and ligaments in the upper back and neck area. Whiplash is characterized
by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually
because of sudden extension and flexion, such as in a car accident.
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Sometimes neck strain can be brought on by an abrupt movement by the neck,
such as whiplash.
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Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or
may be delayed for several days. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms
may include neck stiffness, injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial
injuries), headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations such as burning or
prickling (paresthesias), or shoulder or back pain. In addition, some
people experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such
as memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness/irritability, sleep
disturbances, fatigue or depression.
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Outlined below are some of the diagnostic tools that your physician may use to gain insight into your condition and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
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Treatment for individuals with neck strain may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for two to three weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.
Generally, prognosis for individuals with neck strain is
good. The pain clears within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover
within 3 months after the injury, however, some may continue to have residual
neck pain and headaches.
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As with back pain, any time symptoms do not improve after three days, it's a good idea to see a spine specialist. Also, red flag symptoms like pain or numbness radiating into an arm, especially down into the fingers, are emergency symptoms and should be seen by a spine specialist within 48 hours, or you risk permanent damage.
See our exercise library for helpful neck exercises.
You can minimize your risk of experiencing neck strain by strengthening
the muscles and ligaments in your neck, avoiding contact sports, and driving
cautiously.
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View medical illustrations that help you understand pain symptoms.
Learn about special exercises and stretches that can relieve pain and help rehab muscles and joints.
Learn about minimally invasive surgery techniques that enable patients to go home the same day.
S. Craig Humphreys, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon