Are you suffering from neck pain?
Your neck is relatively flexible so it relies on muscles and ligaments for support.
"Sprains" and "strains" are the result of these tissues being stretched too hard or too far, much like a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. The word "sprain" refers to damage to the tough, strong ligaments that keep your bones together, while "strain" refers to partial tears in the muscles or tendons that move your neck.
Other less traumatic activities like reaching, pushing, pulling, moving heavy objects and falls can also trigger these problems. Sprains and strains are most often the product of repetitive overloading rather than a single occurrence. Tendons and ligaments generally manage small isolated stressors quite well, but repetitive challenges lead to injury in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will cause it to break.
Examples of these less acute types of cervical sprain/strain injuries include bad posture, poor workstations, repetitive movements, prolonged overhead activity, sedentary lifestyles, improper sleep positions, poor bra support and obesity.
Complaints often include dull neck pain that becomes sharper when you move your head. Rest may relieve your symptoms but often leads to stiffness. The pain is usually felt towards the back of the neck, but it can also extend to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. Neck injuries are often accompanied by tension headaches.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any signs of a more serious injury, including a severe or "different" headache, loss of consciousness, confusion or "fogginess", difficulty concentrating, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in your arms or face, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control or fever.
This process can lead to ongoing pain and even arthritis. Seeking early and appropriate treatment, like the type provided in our office, is critical. Depending upon the severity of your injury, you may need to limit your activity for a while- especially movements or activities that cause pain. Heavy lifting should be avoided, and extended exercise, particularly overhead activity, should be broken up with frequent breaks.
Following acute injuries, you can apply ice for 10-15 minutes each hour. Heat may be helpful after several days or for more chronic types of pain. Ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports-creams.