Cervical sprain/strain is a common injury that can cause neck pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Understanding this condition can help patients and their healthcare providers better manage and treat the symptoms. In this patient education document, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for cervical sprain/strain.
Causes:
Cervical sprain/strain is typically caused by damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck. This can be caused by a sudden jerking movement of the head or neck, such as in a car accident, combat sports, or by repetitive motion such as working at a computer for extended periods of time. Poor posture can also contribute to cervical sprain/strain.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of cervical sprain/strain can vary from person to person but typically include:
Neck pain and stiffness
Decreased range of motion
Headache
Shoulder pain
Numbness or tingling in the arms
Diagnosis:
Cervical sprain/strain can be diagnosed through a thorough history and physical examination. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to check for tender points or decreased range of motion in the neck. Imaging tests such as x-rays or MRI scans may also be ordered to rule out other causes of neck pain.
Treatment:
Treatment for cervical sprain/strain typically focuses on relieving pain and improving function. This may include:
Pain free ranges of motion
Ice or heat therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants
Chiropractic care to improve spinal alignment
Rehab exercises to improve strength, endurance, motor control and proprioception
Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and promote blood flow
Acupuncture or dry needling to relieve pain, hypertonicity and increase blood flow
Surgery is rarely necessary for cervical sprain/strain
Systematic Review Citations:
Hogg-Johnson S, van der Velde G, Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Cassidy JD, Guzman J, Côté P, Haldeman S, Ammendolia C, Carragee E, Hurwitz E, Nordin M, Peloso P. The burden and determinants of neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008 Feb 15;33(4 Suppl):S39-51. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181643ef7. PMID: 18204402.
Gross A, Miller J, D'Sylva J, Burnie SJ, Goldsmith CH, Graham N, Haines T, Brønfort G, Hoving JL. Manipulation or mobilisation for neck pain: a Cochrane Review. Man Ther. 2010 Oct;15(5):315-33. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.04.002. Epub 2010 Jun 7. PMID: 20645011.
Niu X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Li T, Wang W, Du M, Wang B, Gao Y. Massage therapy for neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 May 19;2020:7912305. doi: 10.1155/2020/7912305. PMID: 32454878; PMCID: PMC7258889.
Information on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional regarding your medical condition.
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