About all

Neck Ligament Damage: Comprehensive Guide to Neck Sprains and Strains

What are the symptoms of neck ligament damage. How is a neck sprain diagnosed. What treatments are available for neck sprains and strains. How long does recovery from a neck sprain typically take. What preventive measures can help avoid neck injuries.

Содержание

Understanding Neck Anatomy and Vulnerability to Injury

The cervical spine, comprising seven small vertebrae, forms the foundation of the neck. This intricate structure supports the head’s weight and facilitates its connection to the shoulders and body. Unlike other spinal segments, the cervical spine’s exposed position makes it particularly susceptible to injuries and disorders that can cause pain and restrict movement.

Muscles, ligaments, and tendons play crucial roles in neck function:

  • Muscles and ligaments connect vertebrae, enabling motion while providing stability.
  • Tendons, fibrous cords of tissue, attach muscles to bones.
  • Ligaments, strong connective tissue bands, link bones and support joints.

This complex interplay of structures allows for the neck’s remarkable range of motion but also leaves it vulnerable to sprains and strains.

Differentiating Between Neck Sprains and Strains

While often used interchangeably, neck sprains and strains involve different structures:

  • Sprains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments
  • Strains: Stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons

Both injuries can result from sudden impacts, repetitive motions, or poor posture. Understanding the distinction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Neck Sprains and Strains

Several factors can lead to neck sprains and strains:

  1. Whiplash injuries from car accidents
  2. Sports-related impacts
  3. Falls or sudden jerking movements
  4. Prolonged poor posture
  5. Repetitive motions

Recognizing these potential causes can help individuals take preventive measures and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.

Identifying Symptoms of Neck Ligament Damage

Neck sprains and strains can manifest through various symptoms, which may not appear immediately after the injury. Common signs include:

  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Neck stiffness limiting range of motion
  • Headache, particularly at the base of the skull
  • Shoulder or upper back pain
  • Dizziness or fatigue
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Patchy numbness in hands or arms

Is immediate medical attention necessary for all neck injuries? While many neck sprains can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. These include severe pain, persistent numbness or tingling, or difficulty controlling bladder or bowels, which may indicate more serious spinal cord involvement.

Diagnostic Approaches for Neck Sprains

Accurate diagnosis of neck sprains typically involves a comprehensive physical examination and may include imaging studies. The diagnostic process often includes:

  1. Physical examination assessing posture, range of motion, and head/chin position
  2. Evaluation of neck blood vessels
  3. Muscle strength testing in the arms
  4. Reflex and sensation checks
  5. Imaging tests in some cases (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI)

When are imaging tests necessary for diagnosing neck sprains? While not always required, imaging studies may be recommended in cases of severe pain, suspected fractures, or when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. These tests help rule out more serious conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Neck Sprains

Treatment for neck sprains aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function. Common approaches include:

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Ice therapy for the first 24 hours, followed by heat application
  • Muscle relaxants for severe cases
  • Gentle range of motion exercises
  • Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
  • Ergonomic adjustments to prevent recurrence

How can individuals support their recovery at home? Simple measures like using a rolled towel for neck support during sleep, maintaining good posture, and avoiding activities that exacerbate pain can complement professional treatment and accelerate healing.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Neck Sprain Recovery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovering from neck sprains and preventing future injuries. A tailored physical therapy program may include:

  1. Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility
  2. Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder muscles
  3. Postural correction techniques
  4. Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility
  5. Education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics

Regular participation in physical therapy can significantly enhance recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic neck pain.

Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Prognosis

The recovery period for neck sprains can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Generally:

  • Mild sprains may improve within a couple of weeks
  • Moderate sprains may take up to 6-8 weeks for full recovery
  • Severe sprains can require 3 months or more for complete healing

What factors influence recovery time from neck sprains? Age, overall health, adherence to treatment plans, and the severity of the initial injury all play roles in determining recovery duration. Patients should work closely with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Managing Persistent Symptoms

In cases where symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period, additional interventions may be considered:

  1. Local anesthetic injections for pain relief
  2. Advanced imaging studies to rule out underlying conditions
  3. Consultation with a spine specialist for further evaluation
  4. Exploration of alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care

Persistent neck pain or recurring sprains may indicate the need for a more comprehensive treatment approach or further investigation into potential underlying causes.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Neck Health

Preventing neck sprains and maintaining overall neck health involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and proactive measures:

  • Maintaining good posture during daily activities
  • Ergonomic workspace setup to reduce strain
  • Regular exercise to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
  • Proper warm-up before physical activities
  • Using appropriate safety equipment during sports
  • Taking breaks from prolonged screen time or repetitive tasks

How can individuals incorporate neck-strengthening exercises into their daily routine? Simple exercises like neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and chin tucks can be performed throughout the day to improve neck strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of future injuries.

The Importance of Ergonomics in Neck Health

Proper ergonomics play a crucial role in preventing neck strains and maintaining overall neck health. Key considerations include:

  1. Adjusting computer monitors to eye level
  2. Using a headset for prolonged phone conversations
  3. Ensuring proper support while sleeping
  4. Maintaining a neutral spine position during daily activities
  5. Taking regular breaks to stretch and move

Implementing these ergonomic principles can significantly reduce the risk of developing neck pain and injuries over time.

When to Seek Professional Help for Neck Pain

While many neck sprains can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention:

  • Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills or coordination
  • Pain accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms
  • Neck pain following a high-impact injury or accident

How can individuals distinguish between normal post-injury discomfort and signs of a more serious condition? Persistent or worsening symptoms, especially those affecting daily activities or accompanied by neurological changes, should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out more severe injuries or underlying conditions.

The Role of Imaging in Complex Cases

In some instances, advanced imaging techniques may be necessary to diagnose and treat persistent neck pain:

  1. X-rays to assess bone alignment and rule out fractures
  2. CT scans for detailed bone imaging
  3. MRI scans to evaluate soft tissues, including ligaments and nerves
  4. Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers develop targeted treatment plans for complex or chronic neck issues, ensuring the most effective approach to recovery and long-term neck health.

Neck Sprain (Neck Pain & Stiff Neck): Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is a neck sprain?

A neck sprain is a stretched ligament or muscle in the neck. A neck sprain may occur without any obvious injury but sometimes it may be caused by a sudden impact with an object. An impact may force the neck to quickly extend beyond its normal range, and then snap back forcefully. This is commonly called a whiplash injury. Rear-end car accidents, head jerking during amusement park rides, or being kicked are the most common forms of impact that may cause a neck sprain.

Symptoms and Causes

What symptoms will I have with a neck sprain?

You will have neck pain that worsens with movement. Sometimes this pain will not appear until a full day or two after the event that caused it. You will most likely have neck stiffness that hinders your ability to move your neck. The back of your head might hurt. You may also have pain in the shoulders or upper back. Other symptoms that may happen with a neck sprain include:

  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Fatigue
  • Patchy numbness in the hands or arms

If you notice these symptoms after a whiplash-type incident, see a doctor for an evaluation to rule out a more serious problem, such as damage to the spinal cord. Arm or leg weakness, difficulty walking, and an inability to control the bladder or bowels are signs of spinal cord injury. If you have immediate neck pain after the incident, go to an emergency room.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a neck sprain diagnosed?

A physical examination will review your posture, ability to move, and the position of your head and chin. The doctor will inspect the blood vessels in your neck and may listen to them with a stethoscope. He or she also may check:

  • The range of motion of your neck
  • The muscle strength in your arms
  • Your reflexes
  • Whether or not you can detect sensations

Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used, but most people with suspected neck sprain do not need these tests.

An MRI is a painless, noninvasive test that produces very clear pictures, or images of the human body without the use of X-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images.

A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the help of a computer to create cross-sectional views of the body.

Management and Treatment

How is neck sprain treated?

Pain, inflammation, and tension may be treated by:

  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Ice for the first 24 hours followed by heat applied to the neck through a moist towel
  • Muscle relaxants

Gentle movement of the neck is encouraged. Range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a physical therapist.

You may want to try sleeping with a rolled up towel under your neck for relief.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect from treatment?

Your head and neck pain should get better within a couple of weeks. If not, local anesthetic injections may be tried. Full recovery may take as long as 3 months. If you are still having symptoms after this time further evaluation by a spine specialist is appropriate.

Neck Sprains and Strains | Joint, Ligament and Muscle Disorders

Neck Sprains and Strains

Anatomy

The spinal column is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of one another, creating the natural curves of the back. Muscles and ligaments connect the vertebrae and allow motion while providing support and stability for the spine and upper body.

The spine contains three segments: lumbar, thoracic and cervical. The cervical spine includes the neck and consists of seven small vertebrae, beginning at the base of the skull and ending at the upper chest. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and connects it to the shoulders and body. It is less protected than the rest of the spine, making it more vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restricted motion.

Muscles and ligaments connect the vertebrae and allow motion while providing support and stability for the spine and upper body. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach the muscles to bone. Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect one bone to another and support the joints of the body.

Description

Sprains and strains are injuries to ligaments, muscles or tendons. A sprain is the simple stretch or tear of a ligament. A strain may be a simple stretch of a muscle or tendon, or it may be a partial or complete tear in the muscle/tendon combination.

Symptoms

A person with a neck sprain or strain may experience one or more of a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement
  • Pain that peaks one or more days after the injury, instead of immediately
  • Muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder
  • Headache in the back of the head
  • Sore throat
  • Increased irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating
  • Numbness in the arm or hand
  • Tingling or weakness in the arms
  • Neck stiffness or a decreased range of motion (side to side, up and down, circular)
Nonsurgical Treatment

The recommended treatment for sprains and strains, wherever they are located in the body, is similar: rest, ice, compression and elevation, followed by simple exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. Neck sprains and strains typically heal gradually over time, with appropriate treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a soft collar worn around the neck to help support the head and relieve pressure on ligaments, tendons and muscles while they heal. Other treatment options include massaging the tender area, ultrasound, cervical (neck) traction, and aerobic or isometric exercise. Your physician or physical therapist may prescribe specific exercises to help you improve strength and flexibility, restore movement, and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Physical therapy is often a key factor in successfully recovering from a wide range of conditions and disorders.

Most symptoms of a neck sprain will go away within 4 to 6 weeks, however, it may take longer for more severe injuries to heal completely.

Surgery

For a serious tear, surgery may be needed to repair the soft tissues.

With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.

Neck Strain: Causes and Remedies

A neck strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle or tendon stretches too far and tears. This injury, also called a pulled muscle, can vary in intensity depending on the tear’s size and location. While a neck strain typically heals on its own within a few days or weeks, the pain may range from mild and achy to sharp and debilitating.

Neck Strains and Sprains Video

Save

A neck sprain or strain occurs when there is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck.
Watch:
Neck Strains and Sprains Video

Sometimes the terms neck strain and neck sprain are used interchangeably. While a sprain is an injury to a ligament (not a muscle or tendon), the symptoms of pain and stiffness felt in both a strain and sprain are typically similar and resolve on their own before an official diagnosis is sought.

advertisement

Neck Muscle Function and Strain

Neck Muscles and Other Soft Tissues

Save

The neck muscles and other soft tissues play important roles in the cervical spine’s movements, stability, and function. Read Neck Muscles and Other Soft Tissues[

More than 20 muscles are connected in the neck. These muscles work together to help support the head’s upright position and facilitate movements of the head, neck, jaw, upper back, and shoulders

Watch Cervical Muscle Anatomy Animation

A healthy muscle is comprised of numerous muscle fibers. Within each of these fibers are bundles of myofibrils that contain contractile proteins, which perform the actual contractions for muscle movements. When the muscle overexerts or stretches too far, small tears can form in the muscle, tendon, or connective tissue between the muscle and tendon, which is usually the weakest part.

More extensive neck strains involve more inflammation, which leads to more swelling, pain, and a longer recovery period. The strained muscle’s strength while the injury is healing largely depends on how many muscle fibers were torn.

Two long neck muscles that are at an increased risk for strain are:

Other neck muscles can also become strained, and it is possible for more than one neck muscle to become painful at the same time.

In This Article:

Causes of Neck Strain

Some common causes of neck strain include:

This is not a complete list of neck strain causes. Sometimes the exact cause of a neck strain is not known.

The Course of Neck Strain

A neck strain may be painful as soon as the injury occurs, or it may take many hours for the inflammation to increase and symptoms to appear. Sometimes the symptoms start so gradually that it is difficult to trace how or when the injury occurred. Typically, neck strain pain and stiffness continue to worsen during the first day or two after the injury.

See Treatment for a Stiff Neck

While most neck strains take a few weeks to completely heal, symptoms tend to mostly go away in less than a week. In general, severe muscle strains tend to take closer to 12 weeks to heal, but these rarely occur in the neck without the involvement of a more serious injury.

advertisement

When to See a Doctor for Neck Strain

For most episodes of neck strain, self-care and avoiding any additional strain to the neck is enough to manage symptoms until the injury is healed. Medical attention should be sought if the initial injury was part of a major trauma (such as a car crash or fall from height), has worsened or not improved within a few days, or is accompanied by troubling symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in the arm, weakness in the arms or legs, or difficulty with balance.

References

  • 1.Elliott MC, Zarins B, Powell JW, Kenyon CD. Hamstring muscle strains in professional football players: a 10-year review. Am J Sports Med. 2011; 39(4):843-50.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A neck sprain refers to an overstretched or torn ligament in the neck. Neck sprains are commonly associated with a whiplash injury. If a ligament in your neck is torn, it can cause extreme pain and severely limit your ability to move your head and neck.

Whiplash can occur from a car accident, playing a contact sport, riding amusement park rides that snap your head around, or any sudden impact that forces your neck beyond its normal range of motion.

Causes

Neck sprains are typically caused by an impact or force that causes your neck to quickly extend beyond its normal range and then snap back forcefully.

While the terms “sprain” and “strain” are often used synonymously, they are not the same injury:

  • A sprain specifically refers to ligaments (the fibrous tissues that connect joint bones together)
  • A strain refers to muscles and tendons (the fibrous tissues that connect bones to muscles)

Whiplash can involve all of these neck structures, which are referred to individually as the cervical ligaments, cervical muscles, and cervical tendons.

Symptoms

Neck sprain symptoms don’t necessarily appear at the moment of an injury or impact. It may take one to two days for pain and stiffness to develop.

Common signs and symptoms of a neck sprain include:

  • Headache (typically in the back of the head)
  • Muscle spasms and pain in the upper back and/or shoulders
  • Neck pain that worsens with movement
  • Neck stiffness limits the range of motion
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Complications

If you sustain whiplash, look out for symptoms of a nerve injury or a pinched nerve, including numbness, tingling, the loss of coordination, dizziness, and weakness of the hands or arms.

Referred pain is a phenomenon in which an injury in one part of the body triggers nerve pain in a distant part of the body. It is another common sign of a nerve injury.

Loss of bladder control often occurs with a spinal cord injury. Neck stiffness that is accompanied by radiating pain to the lower back as well as having breathing problems and swallowing problems (dysphagia) are also signs of a more serious injury.

The symptoms of whiplash are usually delayed. Immediate neck or head pain following an extreme force or impact is a sign of a serious injury that is in need of emergency medical care.

If you have experienced a head or neck injury, you will also want to be on alert for concussion symptoms, including:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Dizziness (vertigo)
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Sensitivity to noise or light
  • Weakness

Some people experience problems with cervical proprioception (knowing where your neck and head is in relation to space). If you experience this sensation, you need to be properly evaluated by a medical professional.

While they can also appear in the neck, swollen lymph nodes are not a sign of a neck injury (they are more often a sign of infection).

Diagnosis

A neck sprain is primarily diagnosed with a physical examination.  The aim of the physical exam is to assess the range of motion in your neck, evaluate your reflexes, and determine if you are experiencing any abnormal sensations.

Your doctor will also review your posture (specifically, how you hold your head) and might also check the blood vessels in your neck to see if there are signs of vascular injury. Imaging tests might be used to support a diagnosis or establish the severity of an injury.

Your doctor might order these tests to examine your bones and soft tissues (including tendons, ligaments, and spinal discs) or detect signs of bleeding. Imaging tests used to diagnose neck injuries include:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scans: Captures multiples X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of your body
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create radiographic images, particularly of soft tissues
  • X-ray: Exposes you to low-level electromagnetic radiation

Treatment

The treatment for a neck sprain is the same as for sprains in other parts of the body. Rest and patience are key to helping you cope with the injury. Standard treatment recommendations for sprains include:

  • Icing the injury. For the first two to three days, your doctor will likely ask that you ice the injury four to eight times per day, for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. To avoid frostbite, place a cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin and keep the ice pack moving rather than holding it in one place.
  • Wearing a cervical collar. To keep your neck stable and relieve pressure on the ligament, you might be given a soft cervical collar to wear for several days. It should be used for severe neck strains or if you feel like your head is going to “fall off.” Long-term use of a cervical collar is not recommended as it can cause your neck muscles to weaken and increase the odds of a neck strain injury.
  • Taking a painkiller. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil/Mortin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. 
  • Using heat therapy. After you have iced the injury for two to three days, you can apply moist heat to the area. Heat will help increase blood flow, promote healing, and relieve stiffness.

You might want to explore other treatments once your injury starts to improve. Keep in mind that these options are best performed by or with the guidance of your doctor or a physical therapist:

  • Cervical traction
  • Gentle massage
  • Isometric exercises
  • Range of motion and mobility exercises
  • Ultrasound therapy

Most symptoms of a neck sprain will go away within 4 to 6 weeks. However, severe injuries may take longer to heal.

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after two months, you might want to have your vestibular system and upper neck checked by a physical therapist who has experience treating whiplash injuries. There could be underlying impairments that have not been addressed.

If the pain lingers despite other treatments, your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant or give you a local anesthetic injection to help manage the pain. Injections are typically reserved as a last effort after prior treatments fail to bring lasting relief.

When you start feeling better, you will still need to be careful about exercise. Avoid contact sports or any activity that compromises the stability of your neck until your doctor fully signs off on your condition.

Neck Problems and Injuries | Michigan Medicine

Do you have a neck injury or other neck problem?

Yes

Neck problem or injury

How old are you?

Less than 5 years

Less than 5 years

5 years or older

5 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

  • If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
  • If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
  • If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Have you had surgery on your neck in the past month?

Yes

Neck surgery in the past month

No

Neck surgery in the past month

Have you had a major trauma in the past 2 to 3 hours?

Yes

Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours

No

Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours

Do you have any numbness, tingling, or weakness or any moderate to severe pain that started after the trauma?

Yes

Symptoms after major trauma

No

Symptoms after major trauma

Have you had a neck injury in the past month?

Yes

Neck injury in the past month

No

Neck injury in the past month

Are you having trouble moving your neck or either arm normally?

Yes

Difficulty moving neck or arm

No

Difficulty moving neck or arm

Are you able to move your arm or hand?

Yes

Able to move arm or hand

No

Unable to move arm or hand

Have you had trouble moving your neck or arm for more than 2 days?

Yes

Difficulty moving neck or arm for more than 2 days

No

Difficulty moving neck or arm for more than 2 days

Do you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands?

Weakness is being unable to use the arm or hand normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but this is not the same as weakness.

Yes

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or hands

No

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or hands

Did the numbness and weakness start right after the injury?

Yes

Numbness and weakness began immediately after injury

No

Numbness and weakness began immediately after injury

Have the symptoms lasted for more than an hour?

Yes

Numbness, tingling, or weakness for more than 1 hour

No

Numbness, tingling, or weakness for more than 1 hour

Do you have a deep wound in your head or neck?

This is more than a minor cut. This type of injury usually is caused by an object going through all the layers of skin to the tissue beneath.

Yes

Deep wound to head or neck

No

Deep wound to head or neck

Has sudden, severe weakness or severe numbness affected the whole arm or the whole hand?

Weakness is being unable to use the arm or hand normally, no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same as weakness.

Yes

Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole arm or hand

No

Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole arm or hand

Do you have trouble moving your neck?

Yes

Difficulty moving neck

Is it very hard to move or somewhat hard to move?

“Very hard” means you can’t move it at all in any direction without causing severe pain. “Somewhat hard” means you can move it at least a little, though you may have some pain when you do it.

Very hard

Very hard to move

Somewhat hard

Somewhat hard to move

How long have you had trouble moving your neck?

Less than 2 days

Difficulty moving neck for less than 2 days

2 days to 2 weeks

Difficulty moving neck for 2 days to 2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

Difficulty moving neck for more than 2 week

Has the loss of movement been:

Getting worse?

Difficulty moving is getting worse

Staying about the same (not better or worse)?

Difficulty moving is unchanged

Getting better?

Difficulty moving is improving

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

No

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Is your ability to breathe quickly getting worse?

Yes

Breathing problems are quickly worsening

No

Breathing problems are quickly worsening

Do you have any swelling or a lump in your neck?

Yes

Swelling or lump in neck

No

Swelling or lump in neck

Is it quickly getting worse?

Yes

Lump or swelling in neck is rapidly increasing

No

Lump or swelling in neck is rapidly increasing

Are you hoarse or having trouble swallowing?

Yes

Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness

No

Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is increasing

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is improving

Do you have any neck pain?

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

How long has the pain lasted?

Less than 2 full days (48 hours)

Pain less than 2 days

2 days to 2 weeks

Pain 2 days to 2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

Pain more than 2 weeks

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is getting worse

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is getting better

Do you think that the neck problem may have been caused by abuse?

Yes

Neck problem may have been caused by abuse

No

Neck problem may have been caused by abuse

Do you think you may have a fever?

How long have you had neck symptoms?

Less than 1 week

Symptoms for less than 1 week

1 to 2 weeks

Symptoms for 1 to 2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

Symptoms for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

  • Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
  • Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
  • Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
  • Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
  • Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

  • Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
  • Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

  • Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
  • Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
  • Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Pain in children 3 years and older

  • Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
  • Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child’s normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
  • Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

  • You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
  • It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Severe trouble breathing means:

  • You cannot talk at all.
  • You have to work very hard to breathe.
  • You feel like you can’t get enough air.
  • You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

  • It’s hard to talk in full sentences.
  • It’s hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

  • You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
  • It’s becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Severe trouble breathing means:

  • The child cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard.
  • The child’s nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath.
  • The child seems to be tiring out.
  • The child seems very sleepy or confused.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

  • The child is breathing a lot faster than usual.
  • The child has to take breaks from eating or talking to breathe.
  • The nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times when the child breathes.

Mild trouble breathing means:

  • The child is breathing a little faster than usual.
  • The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk.

Pain in adults and older children

  • Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
  • Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
  • Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Major trauma is any event that can cause very serious injury, such as:

  • A fall from more than 10 ft (3.1 m)[more than 5 ft (1.5 m) for children under 2 years and adults over 65].
  • A car crash in which any vehicle involved was going more than 20 miles (32 km) per hour.
  • Any event that causes severe bleeding that you cannot control.
  • Any event forceful enough to badly break a large bone (like an arm bone or leg bone).

Symptoms of serious illness may include:

  • A severe headache.
  • A stiff neck.
  • Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
  • Extreme fatigue (to the point where it’s hard for you to function).
  • Shaking chills.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

  • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.

For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

  • Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
  • If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
  • You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
    • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
    • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to the person’s life, such as a fire. If you have to move the person, keep the head and neck supported and in a straight line at all times. If the person has had a diving accident and is still in the water, float the person face up in the water.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

  • Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
  • If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
  • If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
  • If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

  • Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
  • If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
  • If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength (325 mg) or 2 to 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Postoperative Problems

Pain, Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, and More

Neck strain is often just called whiplash. Although it’s usually associated with car accidents, any impact or blow that causes your head to jerk forward or backward can cause neck strain. The sudden force stretches and tears the muscles and tendons in your neck.

Neck strain afflicts many amateur and professional athletes. People who play contact sports like football are especially prone to neck strain.

Neck strains are often confused with neck sprains. They’re a bit different. Neck strains are caused by damage to the muscle or the tendons, bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Neck sprains are caused by tearing of the ligaments, the tissues that connect the bones to each other.

However, the differences between these strains and sprains probably won’t mean much to you. The causes, symptoms, and treatment of neck sprains and neck strains are usually the same.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

The pain of whiplash is often hard to ignore. The symptoms may include:

  • Pain, decreased range of motion, and tightness in the neck. The muscles may feel hard or knotted.
  • Pain when rocking your head from side to side or backward and forward.
  • Pain or stiffness when moving your head to look over each shoulder.
  • Tenderness.
  • Headaches at the base of the skull that radiate towards the forehead.

Sometimes, the pain of a neck strain is immediate. In other cases, it can take several hours or days before your neck begins to hurt.

The blow that causes neck strain can sometimes cause a concussion, too. Since concussions can be serious, you need to see a doctor right away. You need emergency medical care if you have a headache that worsens or persists, have weakness or trouble talking, or are confused, dizzy, nauseous, excessively sleepy, or unconscious.

To diagnose neck strain, your doctor will give you a thorough examination. You may also need X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, and other tests, to rule out other problems.

What’s the Treatment for Whiplash?

Here’s the good news: given time, whiplash should heal on its own. To help with recovery, you should:

  • Ice your neck to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you can after the injury. Do it for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. Wrap the ice in a thin towel or cloth to prevent injury to the skin.
  • Take painkillers or other drugs, if recommended by your doctor. Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), will help with pain. However, these medicines can have side effects. Never use them regularly unless your doctor specifically says you should. Check with your doctor before taking them if you take other medicines or have any medical problems. If over the counter medications do not work, prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants may be necessary.
  • Use a neck brace or collar to add support, if your doctor recommends it. However, they are not recommended for long-term use, because they can actually weaken the muscles in your neck.

  • Apply moist heat to your neck — but only after 2-3 days of icing it first. Use heat on your neck only after the initial swelling has gone down. You could use warm, wet towels or take a warm bath.

  • Other treatments, like ultrasound and massage, may also help.

 

When Will My Whiplash Feel Better?

Recovery time depends on how serious your whiplash is. Most cases resolve in a few days. But other neck strains may take weeks or longer to heal. Remember that everyone heals at a different rate.

Once the acute symptoms of neck strain are gone, your doctor will probably want you to start rehabilitation. This will make your neck muscles stronger and more limber. It will help you both recover and reduce the odds of straining your neck again in the future.

You might start with gentle stretching exercises and do more as you get better. But don’t start exercising without talking to your doctor first.

Whatever you do, don’t rush things. People who play contact sports need to be especially careful that they are fully healed before playing again. Your doctor will clear you to resume your activity when you are ready. Do not try to return to your previous level of physical activity until you can:

  • Look over both shoulders without pain or stiffness
  • Rock your head all the way forward and all the way back without pain or stiffness
  • Rock your head from side to side without pain or stiffness

If you start pushing yourself before your neck strain is healed, you could end up with chronic neck pain and permanent injury.

How Can I Prevent Whiplash?

There’s not much you can do to prevent whiplash caused by an accident, of course. But there are some things you can do to improve your odds:

  • Practice strengthening exercises to keep your neck muscles strong and limber, especially if you have had neck strain before.
  • People who sit in the same position all day, like office workers, should take regular breaks to stretch and exercise their necks.

Common Neck Injuries | TriHealth

We usually don’t give much thought to our neck until it becomes tight, sore or difficult to turn. When this happens, we realize all the muscles, tendons and bones in the neck (cervical spine) allow us to move freely.

When you experience a sudden injury to the neck, like a minor muscle strain, stiff neck or a more serious cervical fracture, the pain and limited mobility require attention. The team at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute can help you understand the cause of pain and can help you take steps to get well.

Common Neck Injuries

When your neck is sore – whether it’s from a poor night’s sleep or sudden injury – it can make simple tasks a challenge. Turning your head when driving, lifting objects or just playing a favorite sport can become painful and uncomfortable. Discover the most common neck injuries and how you can find relief.

Types and Causes of Common Neck Injuries

The most common neck injuries include:

  • Neck sprain or strain – A sprain can happen when ligaments in the neck are torn. A strain refers to a torn muscle or tendon. This can occur as a result of a sudden injury during physical activity or even a minor car accident.
  • Stiff muscles and tendons – Often called a crick in the neck, stiffness can be caused moving awkwardly or keeping the neck in the same position for a long period of time (like sleeping overnight).
  • Herniated disc – A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc becomes torn and the soft jellylike interior leaks or bulges out of the disc. Most commonly a result of wear and tear, herniated discs can also be caused by a sudden injury, including a fall.
  • Pinched nerve – Bone, tissue or tendons can push against surrounding nerves, which causes pain. This can happen as a result of a muscle sprain or strain.
  • Fractured cervical spine – Though rare, a fractured cervical spine (or broken neck) is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Common neck injury symptoms

Your symptoms will depend on the type and severity of your injury, but most common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty turning the neck
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Weakness in the legs, arms, hands or fingers

Common neck injury treatment

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your neck injury. Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy – A certified physical therapist will teach you exercises to reduce pain, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles in the neck.
  • Medicine – Over-the-counter and prescription medicine can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help you find comfort.
  • Injections – Corticosteroid injections, medial branch blocks and other injections can help reduce inflammation and help relieve pain caused by several different injuries to the neck.
  • Acupuncture – Thin needles are inserted into specific spots along the spine to trigger the release of certain chemicals into the body, helping reduce pain. Acupuncture, used with traditional treatment, like pain management or physical therapy can help.
  • Massage – Medical massage therapy can help reduce inflammation, ease pain and provide relief from certain back conditions. Your doctor may recommend massage therapy along with other treatments.
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet – A diet that helps boost your body’s natural ability to fight inflammation may help reduce symptoms when combined with other treatment plans.

Our team will work closely with you to manage your pain before recommending surgery. If you continue to experience pain and loss of motion, cervical spine surgery may be recommended. These include:

  • Mazor X – A robotic-guided spine surgery, Mazor X uses 3D imaging to allow your surgeon to customize the surgery to your specific anatomy and needs. This leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.
  • Cervical discectomy and fusion – A damaged cervical disc can be removed and replaced with an artificial disc. You may also need a fusion surgery, which helps fuse two or more discs with hardware to stabilize and support the cervical spine (neck).
  • Laminectomy – A laminectomy removes part or all of the back of vertebrae and thickened tissue around the vertebrae to allow more room for the spinal cord. This helps relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Common neck injury risk factors

Several common risk factors contribute to a neck injury. These include:

  • Genetics – A family history of neck pain or neck arthritis
  • Tobacco use – If you are a smoker
  • Repetitive neck movement – If you have a job that requires repetitive neck movement or overhead work
  • Trauma or injury to the neck – Either through an accident, sports or even sleeping wrong

Common neck injury prevention

It may be impossible to completely prevent an injury to the neck, but you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your spine health:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Strengthen back and core muscles
  • Eat healthy
  • Look for ergonomic pillows, chairs and other materials to help properly position your spine
  • Use good posture when standing and sitting
  • Use caution when lifting, twisting and turning

Schedule an appointment

If you’re experiencing neck pain, call the specialists at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute. We’ll get to the bottom of what’s causing you pain and get you started on a treatment plan that helps you feel like yourself again. Call us today at 513 246 7846.



Injury of the cervical spine: symptoms, consequences, rehabilitation

The method of treatment and subsequent rehabilitation depends on the cause, nature of the injury and the degree of damage. Let’s consider the types of the most common neck injuries.

Sprain

Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that hold bones together. A sprain can be triggered by a fall, a sharp twisting of the neck, or excessive stress on it.

Symptoms of a sprain: pain in the back of the neck, which worsens with movement; headache; spasms in the upper shoulder region; sore throat, numbness in the back of the head; tingling in the hands; general weakness.If you experience tingling symptoms in your hands, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

“Whiplash”

Most often it happens in car accidents, during sports, unsuccessful diving into the water. A hard blow to the back of the neck leads to sudden extension and then flexion of the neck. In a head-on collision in a car accident, on the contrary, first flexion and then extension occurs. With such a blow, a person can lose consciousness.

As a result of this injury, joints or discs are damaged, which can irritate the roots of the spinal cord and cause neurological symptoms.These include: pain, weakness, numbness, tingling in the hands, or other sensations that resemble an electrical shock. Stiffness, dizziness, or sleep disturbances are also possible. Some patients need to call an ambulance immediately after a neck injury. If symptoms appear a few days after the injury, you should also see a doctor.

Displacement of the cervical vertebrae

Displacement usually occurs as a result of trauma or degenerative changes.Symptoms of the displacement of the vertebrae: headaches; drowsiness; general weakness; pain in the neck with the transition to the collarbone and shoulders; numbness in the hands.

In severe displacement, the bone is fully pushed forward and locked in this position, causing a rupture of the ligaments. Dislocation of the cervical vertebrae can damage the spinal cord and require surgery. In less serious injuries, the vertebrae can return to their place on their own, but in any case, you should consult a doctor.

Vertebral fracture

Fractures of the cervical spine account for 20-30% of all spinal fractures, of which 10-20% include spinal cord injury.A fracture requires immediate medical attention. Due to complications, most of the victims will not be able to return to their former life, some become disabled. One of the most common fractures is the fracture of the C5 and C6 vertebrae – they are the smallest and most fragile. The most common reason is a bad dive.

Symptoms of a fracture of the lower cervical vertebrae: dizziness, nausea, complete or partial paralysis of the limbs, weakness, muscle tremor, shortness of breath, pain at the fracture site, speech impairment is possible. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to do an X-ray or MRI. Treatment will depend on the nature of the fracture and the presence of complications.

Whiplash neck injury – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Whiplash neck injury is a non-medical term used to describe neck pain following injury to the soft tissues of the neck (particularly ligaments, tendons and muscles). This injury occurs as a result of excessive forceful overextension followed by sharp bending or sharp bending followed by extension.
Whiplash occurs in traffic accidents, sports, falls and fights. The term whiplash neck injury was first coined in 1928, and it continues to be used to describe this soft tissue injury of the neck injury.

The spine is a long column of bones, discs, ligaments and muscles that extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the coccyx. The cervical region supports the head, protects the nerves and spinal cord, and allows movement to the desired extent. The main supporting structure is the vertebrae. There is a disc between every two vertebrae. At the back of each vertebra there are two facet joints, one on each side. The joints are shaped to allow smooth back and forth motion and rotation, while limiting excess movement. Muscles and ligaments surround and support the spine. All of these structures are innervated, and damage to any structure can cause pain.

Cause of pain

It is usually impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of neck pain until days or weeks after a car accident.Muscles and ligaments are known to stretch and likely become inflamed after injury, but the condition usually heals spontaneously within six to ten weeks. Pain that lasts longer is usually the result of more serious problems, such as damage to the disc or facet joints.

  • Facet joint pain is the most common cause of chronic neck pain after a car accident. The pain may be associated only with the facet joints or be associated with disc pain. Facet pain is usually located to the right or left of the center of the back of the neck. The area may be painful to the touch, and facet pain may be mistaken for muscle pain. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine whether the facet joints are interested in x-rays or MRI. The only reliable way to confirm the role of facet joints in pain syndrome is to perform blockade of the medial branch.
  • Injury to the disc from whiplash can also lead to chronic neck pain.The disc allows the neck to move, but at the same time keeps the neck from excessive movement. The outer part of the disc (called the annulus fibrosus) can be torn from a whiplash injury. This tear usually heals, but not in all patients. In this case, the disc becomes weaker and leads to pain during normal activities. The pain comes from nerve endings in the annulus fibrosus. Disc is the leading cause of chronic neck pain in 25% of patients, but pain can be associated with facet joint pain.Much less often, disc herniation and compression of the nerve roots appear and, in such cases, pain in the hand prevails over pain in the neck.
  • Sprains in the neck and upper back can cause severe pain. However, there is no conclusive evidence that neck muscles are the main cause of chronic neck pain. However, muscle damage can occur when the muscles have to withstand heavy loads in order to protect damaged discs, joints, nerves, or in cases where posture is impaired.
  • Possible compression of the roots and spinal cord by disc herniation or osteophytes. This usually results in pain in the arm, but there can also be neck pain.

Whiplash symptoms

  • Headaches caused by problems in the neck are called cervicogenic. These pains can be caused by damage to the upper cervical discs, facet joints, abnormalities in the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints. Cervicogenic headache can also exacerbate migraines.
  • Pain and heaviness in the arm can be caused by compression of the root by a herniated disc, which does not present diagnostic difficulties. More often, the pain in the arm has a “reflected” character from other parts of the neck. “Reflected pain” is pain that is felt in an area far from the injured area, but is not associated with nerve compression. Pain between the shoulder blades is usually a kind of reflected pain.
  • Low back pain is common after a whiplash injury and can be caused by damage to the discs, facet joints, or sacroiliac joints.
  • Disturbances in concentration and memory may be associated with pain or medication taken to relieve pain, depression, or mild concussion. Also, the patient may experience irritability and depression.
  • Sleep disturbance may be associated with pain or depression. Other symptoms may include mild visual impairment, tinnitus, tingling in the face, and fatigue.

Whiplash Injury Diagnostics

The attending physician needs information about the symptoms, how the injury (accident) occurred, and a medical examination.This will allow the healthcare professional to find out if there is a need for diagnostic procedures or you can wait with this. Patients who remain symptomatic for several weeks may require the following diagnosis:

  • X-rays are taken immediately after injury if a fracture or spinal instability is suspected. X-rays can also show the height of the discs and the presence of osteophytes.
  • X-rays are also indicated if symptoms persist several weeks after injury….
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a necessary examination for suspected disc herniation, disc injury, root compression or spinal cord compression.
  • Medial branch block is an injection of anesthetic to diagnose facet pain.
  • Discography is the introduction of contrast into the disc and subsequent radiography, which is necessary only for severe pain.
  • Computed tomography (CT), usually in combination with a myelogram (contrast is injected into the spinal canal), can also be used to diagnose treatment-resistant neck pain.
  • Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity measurements (EMG and ENG) may be used if a nerve is suspected to be blocked (eg, in carpal tunnel syndrome) or if there is nerve damage.

Whiplash treatment

Treatment of whiplash injury consists of:

  • Immobilization – wearing an orthopedic collar for several days, which allows in the acute period to reduce the load on the muscles and other structures of the neck.
  • Drug treatment. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs both internally and externally for several weeks helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In addition, with prolonged pain, it is possible to prescribe antidepressants and muscle relaxants.
  • Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, cryotherapy, ultrasound) can accelerate regeneration and relieve inflammation.
  • Exercise therapy is prescribed after minimizing the pain syndrome and allows you to restore the normal biomechanics of the spine.
  • Manual therapy and massage can relieve muscle blockages and muscle spasms.
  • Blockades can also be applied, but it must be borne in mind that they give a rather short effect in time. It is also possible to use minimally invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency neurotomy, if the pain syndrome is persistent.

Surgical treatment is prescribed only if there is a violation of the integrity of the structures of the cervical spine and persistent symptomatology resistant to treatment.

90,000 causes, symptoms, treatment of birth trauma

What are the signs of a birth injury to the neck? What are the causes and consequences of a birth injury in a child? What kind of help is needed for a birth injury? – in this article we will help you find answers to these and similar questions, namely, we will tell you about an effective and safe method of treating a birth injury to the neck in children, about the causes and symptoms of this disease, as well as about the most popular myths associated with it.

What is birth trauma

Birth trauma is damage to the tissues and organs of the child during childbirth, caused by mechanical forces, and a holistic response to these injuries on the part of the body.

Conventionally, all traumatic injuries of a child in childbirth are divided into: mechanical (caused by external exposure) and hypoxic (due to mechanical stress, the child develops oxygen starvation of the brain, which leads to injury to the central nervous system – the central nervous system).In turn, trauma to the central nervous system is a consequence of an injury to the cervical spine, since when it is damaged, the blood vessels that feed the brain suffer.

Birth injury can affect various structures of the cervical spine. Depending on its localization, there are: trauma to the vertebrae, joints, ligaments; trauma of soft tissues (skin, muscles).

causes and symptoms of birth injury

Birth trauma occurs during the passage of the child through the birth canal, if any unsynchronized action occurs in the mother’s body at the time of childbirth.

The process of childbirth is strongly influenced by the anatomical features of the mother and child, their state of health. If any abnormalities occur during childbirth, failure to provide obstetric care can lead to injury. On the other hand, any medical impact also poses a risk of trauma in the baby: drugs that stimulate labor, pressure on the abdomen during attempts, the imposition of obstetric forceps, Caesarean section operation.

Even during normal physiological childbirth, the baby, passing through the birth canal, experiences an enormous load.In a newborn, the muscles and ligaments of the neck are very weak, so it is very easy to injure them during stress during childbirth. The use of obstetric benefits increases the incidence of injuries to the cervical spine, but even without medical intervention, the risk of birth trauma remains.

Regardless of the severity of the birth injury, the existing damage will certainly have consequences. The worst option is death. In this case, the diagnosis of sudden death syndrome is made.The cause of death is the progression of scarring of the injury site in the soft tissues of the neck, the vital centers of respiration and heartbeat are affected, which is incompatible with life.

The development of cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy), paresis or paralysis of the extremities can be quite serious consequences of a birth injury.

Sometimes there are no obvious consequences of an injury, and for several months or years it does not manifest itself in any way. This does not mean that the child is completely healthy.When the cervical spine is damaged, vertebral displacements often occur and a protective muscle spasm develops. As a result of a birth injury, cerebral blood flow begins to suffer and the baby at a certain time shows the consequences of the trauma from the obstructed cerebral blood flow.

In the first days and months of life, a violation of cerebral blood flow manifests itself in the form of sudden short-term cessations of breathing (from the first day), in the form of trembling of the chin, arms or legs, heart rhythm failure.The child is restless and often cries a lot, does not sleep well, there is a high or low muscle tone in the arms or legs, squint, a short neck is clearly visible. Some children are lagging behind in motor development.

After a year, the following problems may occur: delayed motor and emotional development, frequent tantrums, crying, hyperactivity or lethargy, attention deficit, poor memory. Such children may have an increased head size, deformities of the skull and thoracic region, mental abnormalities, convulsions (episyndrome), paresis of the extremities.

Some of the effects appear only in preschool and school age. At that time, very few people associate them with the injury received at birth. These consequences include: dysarthria, fine motor impairment, enuresis, headaches, vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD), increased intracranial pressure, neuroses. At this age, from a birth injury, problems with the spine (scoliosis, poor posture), clubfoot, flat feet, different leg lengths appear.The consequences also include problems with immunity, persistent allergic reactions, diseases of the ENT organs.

Debunking Birth Trauma Myths

Today, there are a number of misconceptions about the problem of birth trauma in children, caused mainly by the lack of objective information about the causes of birth trauma and the proposed treatment among the parents faced with this problem. We will try to clarify this issue and debunk the most popular myths.

Osteopathic sessions – the best method of treating birth trauma

Indeed, many deformities of the skull and spine can be corrected with the help of osteopathy, compression and twisting can be eliminated. But the spasm of the cervical muscles in the suboccipital region after a birth injury is so strong that it cannot be overcome with the hands, and therefore the repositioning of many atlas subluxations is problematic for an osteopath.It is also impossible to dissolve microscars that are formed in childbirth with hemorrhages in the soft tissues of the neck with osteopathic methods. If the child retains an increased muscle tone in the neck, soreness of the suboccipital region and asymmetric head turns, or NSC in the SHOP and PPCNS, then it is necessary to carry out complex treatment with a vertebral neurologist.

Osteopathy is sufficient for the treatment of birth trauma

Osteopath does not restore damaged brain tissue in severe trauma (PPTSNS).An osteopath eliminates various birth deformities of the skull and spine, as one of the aspects of birth trauma, but does not treat the trauma in general. Treatment of birth trauma should occur in stages, affecting all injuries and disorders: elimination of pathological spasm of the cervical muscles, fusion of vertebral ligaments, repositioning of displaced vertebrae, resorption of scar tissue and restoration of brain nerve cells.

Chiropractors set the vertebrae in case of birth trauma

Manual therapy is extremely dangerous for birth injuries of the cervical spine, especially in infants. The chiropractor, seeing the external signs of a neck injury, conducts manual sessions using rough jerking techniques. There are cases when, after manual sessions, the child’s neurological symptoms intensify, since during the sessions the ligaments of the vertebrae, the vessels of the neck can be additionally damaged, internal hematomas form, followed by the formation of scars.

Birth trauma is treated with massage

Medical neck massage is often prescribed for birth trauma to relieve pathological spasm of the cervical muscles.The cervical spine can be massaged at the final stage of the treatment of a birth injury, like any injury in general, after the reduction of the vertebra and pain relief. At the beginning of the course of treatment, stretching and rest is required. Massaging the injured neck is painful for the child, so he cries loudly during it. Even after several courses of massage, the spasm of the neck muscles cannot be eliminated, since the spasm occurs reflexively in the presence of displaced vertebrae.

An osteopath and a chiropractor can diagnose a birth injury with their hands, and X-rays do not have to be done

Hands can diagnose spasm of the cervical muscles, soreness of the vertebral joints, ligaments, abnormal position of the vertebra.To confirm the diagnosis of subluxation and to monitor the position of the vertebra after treatment, we recommend taking X-rays in three projections. X-ray gives a complete and objective picture of the state of the cervical spine BEFORE and AFTER treatment. This is how injuries and ruptures of the ligaments of the cervical vertebrae, which cannot be diagnosed by hand, are detected. The radiograph also reveals anomalies in the development of the spine, in which manual therapy is contraindicated, and treatment by an osteopath is ineffective.

Birth trauma does not need to be treated, it goes away with age

Birth trauma as an acute condition passes, and its unresolved consequences appear during life, replacing each other. In case of birth trauma, the existing high tone of the cervical muscles, displaced vertebrae, compressed vessels and nerve endings lead to impaired blood flow at the level of the cervical spine (NSC in SHOP) and the brain (PPCNS), which determines the presence of neurological complaints.For example, in childhood – poor sleep, hyperactivity, speech disorders, enuresis, etc .; in adults – headaches, increased fatigue, heart rhythm disturbances, etc. Therefore, the birth trauma must be treated.

Birth trauma is always manifested by an inclined position of the head (torticollis)

Indeed, the cause of the tilted position of the head (i.e. torticollis) in 95% of cases is birth trauma.But birth trauma of the cervical spine occurs without torticollis and other visible deformities of the neck or head. Signs suggestive of a birth injury to the neck include vascular patches on the forehead or back of the head, as well as neurological symptoms that are difficult to treat. To detect a birth injury of the neck without external signs, children under 3 years of age are prescribed ultrasound of the neck, ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and brain, and after 3 years – X-ray of the cervical spine in three projections and ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and brain.

When treating a birth injury in the Schanz collar, the neck muscles atrophy

This is indeed a widespread myth, as muscle wasting is often seen after an arm or leg injury is treated in a cast. The neck muscles belong to the axial muscle group and are constantly in good shape to maintain the vertical position of the head. Atrophy of these muscles can only develop after damage to the nerves through which the muscles receive impulses.Treatment in our traction collar is safe for the muscles, as the neck muscles receive nerve impulses and maintain their tone. In addition, the neck muscles can be trained with special exercises even in the collar, which will ensure the creation of additional good tone of the neck muscles, including in babies.

Foam collar treats birth injury to the neck

The foam collar acts as a temporary fixation bandage to stabilize the cervical spine.Treatment of a birth injury in a foam collar is impossible, since it does not provide a uniform long-term stretching of the neck, without which there is no relaxation of spasmodic cervical muscles and repositioning of the displaced vertebra. To do this, we use a traction (pulling) collar of our own original design, which provides conditions for the successful healing of birth trauma, namely: elimination of muscle spasm and displacement of the vertebrae, fusion of damaged ligaments.

As can be seen from the examples described above, an objective look at the problem of birth trauma from the point of view of the causes of its occurrence and ways of solving it helps the parents of a child who has this disease to timely and deliberately approach the choice of an effective and safe method of treatment.

about our treatment of birth trauma

As an alternative to the standard treatment of birth trauma, we offer a rehabilitation complex aimed at eliminating the consequences of a birth injury to the neck and restoring cerebral blood flow.

It is important to restore cerebral blood flow for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. When the disturbances in the work of the brain are eliminated, the child begins to develop correctly and the manifestations of birth trauma disappear.With the correct traumatological treatment, not only the trauma itself is eliminated, but also its neurological consequences, in the form of specific disorders in the child.

The essence of the treatment of any injury is traction and fixation. For the treatment of birth trauma in children, we use an orthopedic splint of our own design, which provides metered traction and fixation of the cervical spine. This product is called “traction collar”, is patented (Patent No. 2587960) and has been successfully used for over 25 years.

At the first stage, the damaged anatomical structures of the cervical spine are treated. Thanks to traction and remedial gymnastics, in a short time the displaced vertebra is repositioned, muscles are strengthened, neck ligaments are fused, hematomas resolve. The collar has a beneficial effect on the state of the blood supply to the brain by releasing the vessels from compression. Without this stage, the effectiveness of the treatment of birth trauma decreases several times.

At the next stages, therapy is carried out aimed at improving the work of blood vessels and cells of the brain (including amino acids), resorption of deep hematomas and scars around the vertebrae, restoration of motor functions of the cervical spine and muscle tone of the neck.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis (outside the hospital) and involves the child wearing a traction collar of an original design (Patent No. 2587960) in combination with taking natural drugs to normalize brain activity.

Our treatment quickly and effectively solves the problem of birth trauma in a child, while it is safe and reliable.

The first effects are felt within a few days from the start of treatment: the child’s well-being is significantly improved

Maximum effectiveness is achieved due to a fundamentally different approach to solving the problem of birth trauma – our treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause, not suppressing the symptoms of the disease

The treatment we offer is completely safe, since the traction collar does not have a negative effect on the child’s body, and the prescribed drugs do not cause complications and side effects

After the course of treatment, seizures no longer occur, since during the course of treatment the main cause of the disease is eliminated and the natural functions of the brain are restored

Thus, the traction therapy offered by us, due to its obvious advantages, is an excellent and often the only alternative not only to taking anticonvulsants, but also to other methods of treating birth trauma.

starting treatment of birth trauma

Treatment of birth trauma in our center begins with an appointment with a neurologist. The reception is conducted by the chief physician and leading specialist of our center, a neurologist (vertebral neurologist), candidate of medical sciences Mazheiko Lyudmila Ivanovna.

At the initial appointment, the doctor will conduct a consultation and a specialized examination, identify the true cause of the development of the pathology, establish a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, give recommendations, and, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations.The duration of the initial appointment is 60 minutes.

The cost of treating a birth injury in our center is calculated individually, depending on the stage of the disease, its duration and the presence of complications. This approach allows you to prescribe only the required amount of treatment, taking into account the characteristics of the child’s body and the picture of the course of the disease.

The cost of treating a birth injury is calculated after the appointment of a neurologist and the necessary additional examinations.

With a one-time payment for the course of treatment, a 10% discount is provided.

Reception of a neurologist is carried out by appointment. To make an appointment, you need to call us during working hours by phone +7 (343) 266-79-01 or leave a request on the website and wait for our call.

90,000 Spinal ligament injury. Diagnostics and treatment of spinal ligament injuries.

Ligaments of the spine are dense formations of connective tissue that connect the bony structures of the spine and limit the range of motion in the joint.Together with bones and muscles, ligaments control the movement of the spine. The ligamentous apparatus of the spine includes: the anterior longitudinal ligament, the posterior longitudinal ligament and a group of short ligaments (yellow ligaments, supraspinous ligaments, supraspinous ligaments, ligamentum nuchal, intertransverse ligaments).

The anterior longitudinal ligament serves to limit hyperextension of the spinal column. The posterior longitudinal ligament prevents excessive flexion of the spine. The short ligaments act as additional support, reducing stress on the muscles and preventing excessive lateral movement.

A sharp bend of the trunk may damage the ligaments of the spine. Since the ligaments are very strong in structure, the rupture of the ligament often occurs in places that have undergone a degenerative process, previously damaged or with congenital disorders of the development of connective tissue. There are three degrees of damage to the ligaments: detachment or rupture of individual ligament fibers, partial rupture of the ligament, complete separation of the ligament from the attachment site.

Symptoms of spinal ligament injury

The first symptom of a spinal ligament injury is pain.It can be not intense, does not change a person’s activity during the day, or significant with a pronounced decrease in activity. Depending on the location, the pain may worsen when turning the head, neck, trunk, or when moving the pelvis.

The most common extensor injuries of the cervical spine with increasing pain, limitation of mobility in the neck with the impossibility of tilting the head to the side opposite to the affected one. With an injury to the thoracic region, patients note tension in the muscles of the back, stiffness.The pain does not appear immediately and is aggravated by coughing or sneezing. There may be a deviation of the spine to the right or left relative to its axis with a concavity towards the injury. In case of injury to the lumbar and lumbosacral spine ligamentous apparatus, the leading symptom will be lower back pain, aggravated by movement. In addition, there is stiffness and irradiation of pain in the thigh or buttocks on the healthy or affected side. In severe injuries, each movement will cause severe pain, and when trying to lift a leg or take a step, quite serious disorders can occur.

Injury of the ligaments of the cervical spine , often resulting from a sharp extension of the neck and is called “whiplash” injury. Such injuries can be received when diving, in a car accident, while practicing acrobatics, in a fight and for other reasons . Damage to the ligaments of the thoracic spine can occur with significant unusual physical exertion, such as lifting heavy weights . Injury to the lumbar spine can occur when trying to catch a heavy object, professional sports and much more .

Methods used to treat spinal ligament injury

If you suspect a spinal ligament injury, you should immediately contact an orthopedic traumatologist , who will send the patient for x-ray to exclude a spinal fracture, ultrasound examination of the ligamentous apparatus or magnetic resonance imaging.

The classic treatment regimen includes maintaining rest with limited physical activity, applying pressure bandages, cooling compresses in the first hours after injury, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and subsequent rehabilitation. Surgical treatment is indicated only in case of complete separation of the ligament.

A comprehensive approach to the treatment of spinal ligament injury in the BiATi clinic

BiATi Clinic specializes in treatment and rehabilitation of the spine and musculoskeletal system . The clinic’s specialists will help you recover your health after an injury or surgical treatment. Special author’s techniques will allow you to get rid of pain at rest and in movement, create a powerful muscle corset that creates complete freedom of movement.Unique author’s simulators-constructors, which can be easily changed to perform certain tasks, will allow you to develop even deep muscles and return all skeletal functions. Classes in imperative corrective gymnastics under the supervision of an experienced instructor will greatly increase the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program. The combination of drug treatment, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises with the author’s method of rehabilitation can achieve a positive effect in the shortest possible time in patients of any age with the most diverse spinal ligamentous apparatus injuries . The specialists of the BiATi Rehabilitation Clinic are able to return the patient to a full-fledged active life, regardless of the complexity of the pathology, his age and psychological state.

Injury to the cervical spine | ChUZ “KB” Russian Railways-Medicine “them. ON. Semashko “

The cervical region is the most mobile and less protected part of the spinal column. Injury to the cervical spine is the most serious and dangerous injury, fraught with spinal cord injury and profound disability. Most often, the cervical spine suffers from a head blow when diving in shallow water. It is also common in motorcycle and road traffic injuries due to the “whip” mechanism during a sudden movement of the head.

Depending on whether there are neurological symptoms or not, the injury is divided into complicated and uncomplicated . By the type of damage to the spine, the fracture can be stable, when destruction and change in the shape of the vertebra that occurred at the time of injury is final and no further displacement occurs, and unstable , when, after injury, a slight force or load causes additional mixing of fragments. This can cause the appearance or deepening of neurological symptoms in the form of movement and sensory disturbances in the body and limbs.

It should be remembered that the division of fractures into stable and unstable is very arbitrary, especially in the cervical spine. In an uncomplicated fracture, neurological damage may suddenly appear with first aid and improper transportation. Therefore, victims of high-energy injuries (road traffic accidents, falls from a height, diving in shallow water) must necessarily carry out a rigid immobilization of the cervical spine before transferring and transporting it to a medical facility, because only an experienced doctor can refuse immobilization after conducting a series of examinations.

Treatment

Stable injuries are treated conservatively by immobilizing the cervical spine with a rigid Philadelphia collar for a period of 2-4 weeks for ligamentous apparatus trauma to 4-6 months for compression fractures of the vertebral bodies.

Unstable injuries are treated surgically. The aim of the operation is to remove the destroyed bone structures, eliminate the compression of the nerve tissue, restore the body of the broken vertebra and stable fixation of the segment.

The vertebrae are fastened with plates with screws, and the patient’s own bone is used to restore the vertebral bodies, which is taken from the iliac wing. Instead of your own bone, you can use various vertebral body prostheses. In case of unstable fractures with dislocation and destruction of the intervertebral joints, it is necessary to additionally use the posterior fixation of the cervical spine with screws and rods.

The most difficult in the diagnosis and treatment of damage to the two upper cervical vertebrae.This is due to a complex anatomical structure, which differs from the rest of the cervical vertebrae, and a high functional load. They connect the cervical region to the base of the skull and provide most of the head movement. The proximity of vital structures of the central nervous system requires special care when treating such injuries. All fractures and dislocations in this area are usually unstable and require surgical treatment. A combination of various injuries is often found, which requires careful diagnosis to select the correct tactics.Surgical treatment of such an injury requires a lot of experience and skills, since metal structures are installed in close proximity to vital anatomical structures – the spinal cord, brain stem and vertebral arteries. Before surgery, a halo apparatus is often used to correct the deformity and stabilize the damage. Many surgeons prefer to confine themselves to the application of the halo apparatus and observe the patient in the apparatus for 4 months. In some cases, after removing the device, a repeated displacement occurs, requiring an operation.In addition, the treatment in the device is extremely uncomfortable for the patient, so we prefer to use the device only as the first stage before installing the internal fixators.

Surgery on the cervical spine is generally well tolerated by patients. Difficulty swallowing may be felt for one to two days. For uncomplicated injury, you can get up the next day. If there are neurological disorders, then it is recommended to start rehabilitation already in the early postoperative period.

90,000 Neck pain treatment

All the most important communications connecting the brain with the body pass through the neck. The medulla oblongata, located inside the spinal canal, is responsible for the work of all vital functions: heart contractions, breathing, swallowing, etc.

At the slightest imbalance of the muscles responsible for the shape of the cervical curvature of the spine, or injuries, the cervical vertebrae are displaced.

To protect the medulla oblongata from possible damage, the body turns on a spasm of the deep muscles of the neck, which causes pain!

This defense mechanism is very important, but prolonged, persistent muscle spasm leads to a change in their internal structure and disruption of the biomechanical segmentation of the cervical spine.

There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine, between each pair of vertebrae mobility must be maintained at a certain angle. Violation of segmentation leads to the fact that only 2-3 segments remain mobile. Thus, the biomechanics of the neck becomes pathological, since only two movable segments must provide all the variety of head movements: turns, tilts, tilting back.

The load on the moving segments is too great, therefore, it is in these segments that pathological mobility, instability appear, and a herniated disc is formed.

The hypermobility section can be eliminated by redistributing the corners to adjacent segments, then this problem area will go away. But this can be done only by including static areas in the work of deep muscles. The deep muscle layers can be turned on with the help of specific specially organized exercises. These exercises are performed in special simulators.

Unique treatment for neck pain

To get long-term results, the deep muscles of the neck must be “put into action”. They keep the cervical vertebrae in the correct position. It is possible to strengthen the muscles adjacent to the vertebrae by axial load on the spine with the help of special simulators developed by us.

The set of manipulations and exercises that will be applied depends on the localization of pain.
For each muscle group, its own specialized simulators are used.

For the rehabilitation of the cervical spine, we use different simulators: some provide the restoration of muscle balances in the anterior and posterior planes, that is, they restore flexion and extension of the neck.Others allow you to restore head rotation to the right and left at different angles of inclination of the neck.

Our method allows you to restore the work of deep fixation
musculature of the neck, muscular-articular balance, as well as remove displacements
and deformities in the sections of the musculoskeletal system.

Based on many years of clinical experience, the clinic’s specialists know which layers
muscle groups need to be used to relieve pain and further treatment.V
special training modules set the exact amplitudes, force, load angle, the
thereby allowing the necessary target groups of deep muscles to be involved in the process.

Features of treatment in our clinic:

1

We help in difficult cases

Our technique restores patients after severe spinal fractures.Treatment of diseases such as disc herniation,
sciatica, osteochondrosis is a relatively simple task for us.

2

Long-term results

To maintain long-term results, we strengthen the deep muscles of the neck. We are not only
we remove the problem, but also restore the configuration of the spine and muscle balance.

3

Individual approach

A personal instructor-methodologist works with each patient, who monitors the course of treatment and, if necessary, corrects the set of exercises.

Maxim 35 years old (diagnosis of intervertebral hernia, sciatic nerve inflammation)
Can
to be honest, he was slowly starting to go crazy.Constant pain, constant nervous
irritation. And not only physically, but also emotionally psychologically . ..

How to Treat a Whiplash Neck Injury After A Car Accident

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries experienced in car accidents, although physical injury (such as severe concussion of the shoulders) can also cause the condition.

As its name suggests, whiplash occurs when something causes the head to move (or wiggle) rapidly back and forth.The sudden movement can strain the muscles and tear the ligaments in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness.

Recovery from a whiplash injury requires time (duration depends on the severity of the injury), rest and personal care. Here’s how to treat a whiplash neck injury after a car accident in Brooklyn, NY.

Seek medical attention first

Although most whiplash injuries resolve on their own with self-treatment, you should see a doctor if you suspect you have a whiplash injury, especially if you are involved in an accident. After an accident, it is important to have a medical examination as you may need an X-ray or MRI to determine how badly your neck is damaged. Severe whiplash pain can indicate disc damage, which will increase recovery time.

The doctor can determine the timing of recovery. Recovery from a whiplash injury can take several weeks to several months.

They will also provide advice on how to treat whiplash at home.This may include the following:

Cold and heat therapy

Many patients find relief from whiplash by applying ice or a cold bag to their neck for the first few days, followed by warmth. Cold temperatures help reduce swelling and inflammation following a whiplash injury. Heat can then be applied to increase circulation to promote healing and help the area become more flexible again.

When applying ice or a cold bag, always wrap it in a towel first to prevent frostbite. Your doctor will advise you on how often to apply ice to the area, usually for 15 minutes several times a day.

Use a damp heat source (for example, a towel dampened with hot water). This will help its therapeutic properties penetrate the skin better, and it will be more soothing to the touch.

OTC pain relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce soreness and swelling.Medicines containing the ingredients ibuprofen or naproxen are good choices for reducing inflammation. If the pain is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe a prescription pain reliever.

Neck rest

In the first few days after a whiplash injury, your doctor may instruct you to limit your neck movements as much as possible to allow it to heal. You may be assigned a neck brace (neck collar) to wear for a short period of time to stabilize your neck and prevent further injury.

Exercise, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

As the neck begins to heal, exercise, manual therapy, or physical therapy may be needed to help stretch the muscles and increase mobility. Your doctor will give you a list of exercises you can do at home to safely help your neck regain full range of motion.

Find a doctor to help you recover from a whiplash

First off, most whiplash injuries require patience while the damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles in your neck heal.

If you think you have whiplash pain, use our search feature to find a car accident doctor in Brooklyn, NY who can diagnose and treat your injury.

Call (718) 769-2521 today to make an appointment with an experienced doctor in Brooklyn who can treat your whiplash injury. We accept most major health insurance plans, workers’ compensation, medical obligations and accident insurance.It is possible to make an appointment on the same day.

.