Neck Sprain

Violent overstretching of one or more ligaments in the cervical (neck) region of the vertebral column. Sprains involving two or more ligaments cause considerably more disability than single-ligament sprains. When the ligament is overstretched, it becomes tense and gives way at its weakest point, either where it attaches to bone or within the ligament itself. If the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone, it is called a sprain-fracture. There are 3 types of sprains:

• Mild (Grade I) -Tearing of some ligament fibers. There is no loss of function.
• Moderate (Grade II) - Rupture of a portion of the ligament, resuiting in some loss of function.
• Severe (Grade III) - Complete rupture of the ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. There is total loss of function. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.

Body Parts Involved

• Any ligament in the neck.
• Tissue surrounding the sprain, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, periosteum (covering of bone) and muscles.

Causes

Stress on a ligament that temporarily forces the joints in the neck out of their normal location. Neck sprains occur frequently in contact sports and auto accidents.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing inside the neck.
• Muscle spasm with soreness and stiffness in the neck.
• Tenderness at the injury site.
• Swelling in the neck.
• Bruising that appears soon after injury.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letter of rest, ice, compression and
elevation.

Continuing Care

• Your doctor may suggest an adjustable cervical brace, a plastic cervical collar or a cloth collar to immobilize the neck while it heals.
• Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over the injured area. Use for 20 minutes at a time.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
• Cervical traction devices that can be rented or purchased may provide pain relief. Follow your doctor's or manufacturer's instructions.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use:
  Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  Topical liniments and ointments.
• Your doctor may prescribe:

Stronger pain relievers.

Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.     
Injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the neck to rule out fractures.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Wear protective equipment, such as padded soft collars, for participation in contact sports.