Neck Sprain Treatment Specialist Q&A

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 increases 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 be worn to support the healing of the ligaments of the neck by helping support the weight of the head and 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 a pain in the back of the neck that worsens with movement of the head. Another indicator that may help patients distinguish a neck injury from overuse is if the pain peaks a day or so after the injury has 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 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 have convenient locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Prosper TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, Celina TX, and surrounding areas.