Causes
A neck sprain happens when a force makes a muscle or ligament stretch more than it should.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Being in a motor vehicle accident
- A blow to the head, such as from contact sports
- A hard fall
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Neck pain and stiffness that gets worse with movement, especially in the back of the neck
- Shoulder and upper back pain and muscle spasms
- Headache, especially in the back of the head
- Lightheadedness
- Ringing in the ears
- Tingling or weakness in the hands or arms
- Problems sleeping
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how your neck was hurt. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your neck. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Pictures may be needed of the neck. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and the muscle or ligament involved. Options are:
- Supportive care, such as ice packs and limiting activities
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as:
- Over the counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen
- Topical pain medicine, such as creams, gels, or patches that are put on the skin
- Prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Therapy to help with strength and range of motion
Prevention
Most neck sprains happen due to accidents. Healthy muscles may help prevent injury. This may be done through exercise.
Causes
A neck sprain happens when a force makes a muscle or ligament stretch more than it should.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Being in a motor vehicle accident
- A blow to the head, such as from contact sports
- A hard fall
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Neck pain and stiffness that gets worse with movement, especially in the back of the neck
- Shoulder and upper back pain and muscle spasms
- Headache, especially in the back of the head
- Lightheadedness
- Ringing in the ears
- Tingling or weakness in the hands or arms
- Problems sleeping
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how your neck was hurt. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your neck. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Pictures may be needed of the neck. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and the muscle or ligament involved. Options are:
- Supportive care, such as ice packs and limiting activities
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as:
- Over the counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen
- Topical pain medicine, such as creams, gels, or patches that are put on the skin
- Prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Therapy to help with strength and range of motion
Prevention
Most neck sprains happen due to accidents. Healthy muscles may help prevent injury. This may be done through exercise.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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