Cervical Sprain/Strain
The neck or cervical spine has a large range of motion that comes at the cost of bony stability. When excessive stress is placed upon the cervical spine, ligamentous “sprains” and muscular “strains” are often the result. These two injuries typically occur together since the same forces can cause both. These problems can either come from one singular insult or repetitive overuse in poor positions. Common overuse injuries come from prolonged static postures, overhead activity, sedentary lifestyle, repetitive movements, pregnancy or obesity.
Cervical sprain/strains can come on suddenly but typically develop over hours to days. Most common symptoms are of dull neck pain that becomes sharp with movement. This pain can travel into the upper shoulders and upper back. Headaches can also commence with neck pain and sometimes vertigo. There is typically some form of a loss of motion.
The treatment of cervical sprain/strain depends on if the injury was from one large trauma or repetitive overuse. If one large trauma did occur, treatment first focuses on controlling the pain and inflammation before progressing to rehabilitation. Gentle range of motion exercises can be used in the first phase. The rehabilitative phase focuses on restoring normal joint mobility and function while increasing strength and resilience to prevent a re-injury.
If you have an issue that you would like some guidance with, give us a call at (616) 301-1702.
Kolář, Pavel, and Vanda Andelova. Clinical Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation Prague School, 2013.