About this topic
A muscle strain happens when the muscle is stretched too much. A muscle strain is also called a pulled muscle. In some cases, your muscle may bleed and you may see bruising on the skin. When you strain the muscles in your neck, the injury is called a cervical muscle strain. ‚
Whiplash often happens with car crashes. Your neck muscles are stretched causing a strain. There are also strong bands of tissue that hold the bones of your spine together called ligaments. If your ligaments are stretched, you have a sprain. ‚
What are the causes?
- Car crash
- Sports injury
- Blow to the head
- Falling
- Overuse of neck muscles or repeat movements in the neck area
- A sudden, forceful movement in the neck area
- A direct force from behind causing your neck to move quickly forward and then back is whiplash.
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Unsafe driving ¢ ˆ ’ not obeying traffic laws like using seat belts and driving within speed limits
- Playing contact sports
- Playing sports or doing things that have you twisting, like gymnastics
- Not warming up before a workout
- Poor posture
- Being too tired
What are the main signs?
- Pain or soreness when you touch the back of your neck
- Stiffness or trouble moving your neck
- Muscle spasms
- Headache
- Swelling in the neck area
- Numbness or pain shooting down the neck to the shoulder or arm
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Bruising or redness in the neck area
- Trouble sleeping
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will look at your neck area and feel around to find where the problem is. Your doctor may also have you move your neck and arms in certain ways to check your motion and strength. Your doctor may also check the reflexes in your arm. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Using a neck brace to keep the neck from moving. The neck brace is called an immobilizer.
- Exercises
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Massage
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Chiropractor
- Surgery is only needed if there are other serious injuries.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. 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 health problem gets better. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Have headrests in the car at the right height. The middle of the headrest should be even with the upper parts of your ears.
- Use good posture. Do not slouch.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00410 ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm ‚
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. ‚