Neck strains can occur after traffic accidents, contact sports such as football, falling from heights at home or outside, and can lead to neck pain. The underlying cause of this pain is ligament strains or muscle strains. The seven vertebrae in your neck are called cervical vertebrae and are connected to each other by ligaments. Sudden movements that excessively stretch the neck can result in ligament tears or strains. For example, a passenger in a car suddenly stopping by applying the brakes can create strong tension forces forward, followed by sudden backward forces.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the back of the neck, especially with movement
  • Pain that worsens the day after the trauma rather than immediately
  • Muscle pain and tension around the shoulder area
  • Headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue, sleep problems, concentration problems
  • Numbness in the hand and arm
  • Difficulty with neck movements
  • Weakness in the hand and arm

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will ask questions about the type of injury and the character of the pain during the examination and will examine the areas where tension is present. X-rays may be requested to observe bone structures. X-rays will be used to look for causes of pain such as fractures or arthritis. Advanced diagnostic methods such as MRI may sometimes be used for differential diagnosis.

Treatment:

All strains in the body are treated with the same protocol. When appropriate treatment is given for neck strains, they will heal over time and not leave any problems behind. Using a neck brace during the ligament healing process will speed up the healing process. Painkillers will help relieve pain and also help reduce local swelling. Muscle relaxants are effective in releasing spasms. Applying ice packs for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day, during the first 3 days after the injury is part of the treatment. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling. Although heat is known to have a muscle-relaxing effect, it is not recommended for the first 5 days. Massage, ultrasound, isometric exercises can be included in the treatment plan for the painful area. All symptoms will disappear within 4-6 weeks. Healing of injuries after traffic accidents generally takes longer.