Neck Sprain Treatment Specialist Q&A
A neck sprain is defined by discomfort, stiffness, limited motion, and muscle spasms due to ligament damage in the neck. Rest, pain management, heat or cold therapy, and physical therapy are all part of the treatment. Treatment benefits include pain alleviation and a better quality of life. Muscle spasms are reduced by movement. faster healing and the avoidance of long-term problems. Consult our board-certified physician, Dr. Mohan, and the medical staff at Pain Specialist of Frisco for a precise diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 1801 Hinkle Dr, Denton, TX 76201.
Table of Contents:
What does a neck sprain feel like?
What is the difference between a strained and sprained neck?
How do you treat a sprained neck?
What are 3 signs of a neck injury?
How long does a neck sprain take to heal?
Injuries to the neck can vary significantly in severity and can be caused by a number of factors and occur when one or more of the soft tissues in the neck are torn or damaged. Minor neck injuries can be caused by the overuse of the neck muscles or tendons, whereas severe neck injuries often take place due to accidents such as a car accident or hard fall that results in a sudden movement to the neck such as twisting or bending. There are also some health conditions that can lead to neck pain, such as osteoarthritis.
Neck sprains can be possibly indicated by a variety of symptoms, most of which will be associated with varying degrees of discomfort or pain in and around the neck area. It is common to experience pain running from the back of the neck to the upper portion of the shoulders that increase in pain with movement of the head, often leading to difficulty rotating the head due to significant discomfort. The lack of movement of the head can cause a reduction in the range of motion of the neck, as well as stiffness in the neck. Many patients will note a persisting headache that takes place in the back of the head, along with weakness, tingling, or even numbness in the hands or arms. Feelings of irritability, difficulty concentrating, or fatigue are also very common symptoms associated with a neck sprain.
Though they may present similar symptoms and discomfort, neck sprains and strains are injuries that affect different parts of the neck. A strain in the neck is a type of injury to the tendon or muscle that has been stretched too far and incurred a tear. A neck sprain is an injury that affects the ligaments of the neck.
Treatment for a sprained neck will likely consist of a variation of pain relievers, a garment to be worn around the neck, and potentially muscle relaxants. The pain relievers will often just be aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen to help reduce swelling and discomfort. A physician will likely recommend that a soft collar is worn to support the healing of the ligaments of the neck by helping support the weight of the head and to relieve some of the pressure from the ligaments. IT is common for patients to experience neck spasms as well after incurring an injury to the neck, which is why muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed as part of the treatment.
The earliest and most common indication that an injury to the neck has occurred is pain in the back of the neck that worsens with movement of the head. Another indicator that may help patients to distinguish a neck injury from overuse is if the pain peaks a day or so after the injury would have taken place, rather than immediately following the occurrence of injury. Additionally, a severe neck injury can be further identified if the patient is experiencing shooting pains down their arms and legs. If the pain or stiffness does not go away or lessen with time, is constant, and is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it is highly recommended that the patient seek medical attention from a neck pain specialist.
The majority of neck sprains that occur are fairly mild or moderate, and will typically take anywhere from several days to several weeks before the injury is healed entirely. If the injury is severe, it will likely take a bit longer before symptoms are completely relieved. Once treatment for a neck sprain has commenced, it will likely take a few days before symptom relief is experienced, with the persisting symptoms often consisting of pain and stiffness in the neck and upper shoulders. In order for treatment to be effective, the cause of the injury must be addressed, making it often necessary to seek medical attention from a specialist in neck pain to ensure that the injury has healed properly and symptoms are completely alleviated.
Most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain in four to six weeks with correct therapy and rest. Visit us at Pain Specialist of Frisco for proper treatment and diagnosis. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 1801 Hinkle Dr, Denton, TX 76201. We Serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, McKinney TX, Plano TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Lewisville TX, Allen TX, Aubrey TX, and surrounding areas.
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