CERVICAL STRAIN/NECK SPASM
A cervical strain is a tear of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the cervical spine (neck). Cervical strain may happen as the result of forcible movement of the neck such as in a whiplash injury, sports contact, heavy lifting, or overuse. Simple neck spasm may be the result of poor posture, or even stress. The symptoms may include pain and stiffness. You may experience headaches or feel knots in the muscle that are tender to touch (trigger points).
Evaluation will include examination and plain x-ray. Special tests such as nerve condition studies or MRI may be needed depending on the initial findings and responses to treatment.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, heat/ice therapy and range of motion and strengthening exercises. Patients who do not respond to these measures may be candidates for injection therapy or Physical Therapy. The single most important component in recovery is TIME. These injuries may take days or weeks to resolve depending on the severity of the injury and your individual response to therapy. If you experience numbness or pain that extends to the arms or hands, or weakness in any body part, notify your Physician immediately as this may indicate more serious problems. During treatment you should avoid those activities that aggravate pain such as sudden turns of the head, heavy lifting, or jarring motions and contact sports.
If you have been prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, please take the medication daily for maximum benefit. Continue the medication until you are able to do all of your regular activities without pain. Muscle relaxers and pain medications need only be taken as long as symptoms are moderate to severe and cause limitations in regular activities. You should not drive a motorized vehicle or operate heavy equipment while taking these medications.
You will be given a handout of neck exercises. Since exercise is so important to recovery, you should do these every day. Your Physician or Physician Assistant will guide you in how to progress through the exercise plan. It is generally recommended that you begin with the range of motion exercises for several days before beginning any strengthening exercises.
We suggest as a guide to return to high impact or contact sports, you should be able to turn your head fully to look over each shoulder, flex your neck forward touching your chin to your chest, and extend you neck backwards as far as possible, all without pain, and without causing muscle spasm.
APPROACH TO EXERCISE
- Apply heat to the neck by using a heating pad, taking a hot shower or bath, or soaking in a hot tub for 10-15 minutes prior to beginning the range of motion stretching exercise. Stretches should be to the point of feeling the muscle pull, not to the point of pain. Hold stretches for 5-8 counts and then relax, repeating 3 times. After adding any strengthening program, make sure to end the session with additional stretches. Pay close attention to form during your exercise program.
- If you find that you are struggling with the Home Exercise Program, formal Physical Therapy may be indicated. Feel free to ask your Doctor or Physician Assistant for a referral.
Request an appointment with our spine specialist Dr. Cubbage.
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