Neck Sprain

Diagram of the Cervical Spine (neck) showing normal anatomy

A neck sprain is caused by injury to the support structures (soft tissues) of the neck. These support structures include muscles, tendons and ligaments.

  • Tendons are what connect muscle to bone.
  • Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.

They support and help move the head and neck.

When any of these structures are stretched more than usual, often suddenly, you may experience pain and spasm around that area. In more severe cases, your neck sprain may be caused by partial tears in these structures.

The neck is also made up of other vital structures such as bone and blood vessels. These are not typically a cause of injury in neck sprain.

References

Meleger, A. L., & Krivickas, L. S. (2007). Neck and Back Pain: Musculoskeletal Disorders. [Review Article]. Neurologic Clinics, 25, 419-438.

Symptoms

Pain in the neck is the main symptom of neck sprain. It can range from being dull, aching or sharp. The pain may be severe or mild depending on how long ago was the injury and the extend of the injury. However, it is not uncommon for you to feel pain free initially. As your body react to the injury (in the form of an inflammatory response), the pain will start to kick in.

Depending on the extend of your neck sprain, you may also feel pain down your back or shoulder.

When to see your doctor?

If you do experience the following symptoms, they may indicate a more sinister cause to your pain and should be checked by a doctor immediately:

  • Dizziness
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Incoordination
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

References

Meleger, A. L., & Krivickas, L. S. (2007). Neck and Back Pain: Musculoskeletal Disorders. [Review Article]. Neurologic Clinics, 25, 419-438.

Causes

A neck sprain results from a sudden movement that causes the neck to extend (backward) or flex (forward) too far. This is the typically the mechanism of injury from car accidents. Excessive sideway movements or rotation of the neck can also cause neck sprain.

Some common ways people get neck sprains include: 

  • Car accidents – the common scenario would on impaction, a person whose body is held in place by the seat belt will have their head flung forward and then backwards causing excessive bending and extension of the neck. This is often called a whiplash injury. 
  • Situations that lead to prolonged extension of the neck such as focusing on a computer at a desk for long periods of time. 
  • Abnormal posturing while asleep or awake.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for a neck sprain include: 

  • Playing contact sports
  • Reckless driving
  • Weak neck muscles and ligaments
  • Not wearing a seat/shoulder belt in the car

Investigations

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your neck. The doctor will also examine your neck. This is done to assess its stability and the severity of the injury. Diagnosis depends on ruling out other sources of neck pain. They can include dislocations, spinal fractures, arthritis , and cervical disc disease.

Tests may include: 

  • X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones, to make sure that no bones are broken.
  • MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body, to see if a ligament has torn completely or if there is any damage to cervical discs (less common) 
  • CT scan—a test that uses x-rays to take multiple cross-sectional views of the inside of the body

Complications

Some people continue to have neck pain that persist and become chronic.

Treatment

Most neck sprains heal within 4-6 weeks. 

  • If the pain is mild, resting the neck is usually enough to relief the pain. 
  • If the pain is moderate, bed rest may be recommended and for some, a cervical (neck) collar may ensure better recovery. 
  • Sometime a cold pack will help relief the pain at the neck even though it has not been shown to help speed up the healing process. 
  • Medication can be helpful but should be used with the advice of a doctor. Some medications that may be used include muscle relaxants and certain pain medications such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). 
  • It is important that you stay active and keep going about with your daily activities as tolerated. Do not keep your neck immobilised for too long as it will slow down recovery.

Reference

McKinney, L. A. (1989). “Early Mobilisation And Outcome In Acute Sprains Of The Neck.” BMJ: British Medical Journal 299(6706): 1006-1008.

Seeking Advice

Your Family Doctor (GP)

Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to

  • tell you about your problem
  • advise you of the best treatment methods
  • prescribe you medications
  • and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment

Prevention

To reduce your risk of neck sprain: 

  • Drive carefully to avoid car accidents; wear your seat/shoulder belt.
  • Always wear the right protective equipment when playing a sport.
  • Do exercises that strengthen the neck muscles.
  • Do not drink when driving, swimming, or diving.
  • Follow the safety rules for sports and recreational activities.
  • Never dive into a shallow pool or unknown lake, river, or other body of water.

F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions

Is rolling the head good for my neck?

No. Many people in the past have been given neck or head rolling exercises to help stretch their necks. However, the joints in your neck are really designed for single movements like turning or looking up, down, left or right – not all of these movements together. A safer exercise may be just to do each of these movements individually.