About this topic
Neck sprains happen when a ligament in your neck is injured or torn. Ligaments are strong, elastic-like fibers that keep the bones connected and steady. A sprain is most often caused by suddenly moving or twisting the neck during sports or accidents. This can happen during a car crash, fall, or certain sports like football. Treatment of a neck sprain may depend on how bad it is. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to wear a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar. Keep this in place. Take it off only when your doctor tells you to.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this for 2 to 3 days.
- Get lots of rest. Use a pillow that will support your neck when you lie down.
- Do not try to look down or bend your head from side to side.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you are wearing a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax your neck muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
- You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor when you may drive or return to work.
What problems could happen?
- Headaches
- Pain does not get better
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Support your back and neck, use a high back chair, and practice proper posture when you work at a table or in front of a computer.
- Be careful with sports like football, soccer, rugby, skateboarding, or other activities that may put you at risk of neck injury. Wear proper padding and safety gear.
- Use seatbelts when driving or riding in a car.
- Wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bicycles.
- Practice good posture and proper ways to train when lifting or doing exercise.
- Use a neck pillow for travel, such as in an airplane.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Headaches get worse
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Problems with your eyesight
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your arms, hands, or legs
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have numbness, tingling, or a loss of feeling in my arms, hands, or legs.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00410 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚