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Neck strain
Overview | Causes
| Symptoms | Diagnosis
| Treatment | FAQ
Overview
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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Causes
Sometimes neck strain can be brought on by an abrupt
movement by the neck, such as whiplash.
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Symptoms
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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Diagnosis
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.
- Medical history: Conducting a detailed medical history
helps the doctor better understand the possible causes of your back
and neck pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
- Physical exam: During the physical exam, your physician
will try to pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility
and muscle strength may also be conducted.
- X-rays are usually the first step in diagnostic testing
methods. X-rays show bones and the space between bones. They are of
limited value, however, since they do not show muscles and ligaments.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field
and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside
of your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to visualize
soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type of imaging is very
safe and usually pain-free.
- CT scan/myelogram: A CT scan is similar to an MRI in
that it provides diagnostic information about the internal structures
of the spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor,
or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves. A local
anesthetic is injected into the low back to numb the area. A lumbar
puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye is injected into the
spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
- Electrodiagnostics: Electrical testing of the nerves
and spinal cord may be performed as part of a diagnostic workup. These
tests, called electromyography (EMG) or somato sensory evoked potentials
(SSEP), assist your doctor in understanding how your nerves or spinal
cord are affected by your condition.
- Bone scan: Bone imaging is used to detect infection,
malignancy, fractures and arthritis in any part of the skeleton. Bone
scans are also used for finding lesions for biopsy or excision.
- Discography is used to determine the internal structure
of a disc. It is performed by using a local anesthetic and injecting
a dye into the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray and CT scan are
performed to view the disc composition to determine if its structure
is normal or abnormal. In addition to the disc appearance, your doctor
will note any pain associated with this injection. The benefit of
a discogram is that it enables the physician to confirm the disc level
that is causing your pain. This ensures that surgery will be more
successful and reduces the risk of operating on the wrong disc.
- Injections: Pain-relieving injections can relieve back
pain and give the physician important information about your problem,
as well as provide a bridge therapy.
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Treatment
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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FAQs
When is neck strain serious?
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.
How can I prevent neck strain?
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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