Neck Strain

Injury to the muscles or tendons that attach to the vertebral column in the neck; to the skull and to the shoulder. Muscles, tendons and bones comprise units. These units stabilize the neck and head and allow their motion. A strain occurs at a unit's weakest part. Strains are of 3 types:

• Mild (Grade I) - Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
• Moderate (Grade II) - Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade III) - Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

Body Parts Involved

• Tendons and muscles with multiple attachments to bones in the neck, skull and shoulder.
• Bones in the neck, shoulder and skull.
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the neck.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon units in the neck.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain when moving or stretching the neck.
• Muscle spasm in the neck.
• Swelling in the neck area.
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
• Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers.
• Calcification (visible with X-ray) of the injured muscle or tendon.

Treatment

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

First Aid

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

Continuing Care

• Rest in bed with traction on the neck if your doctor advises you to do so.
• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better, Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Use a support collar to reduce movement and support the neck during healing.
• Massage gently and often to comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use:

Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Topical liniments and ointments.

• Your doctor may prescribe: stronger pain relievers, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers.
• Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain (rare).
• Injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation (rare).

Home Diet

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

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Wear proper protective equipment, such as fabric neck rolls.