Neck Strain

Overview

Like back strain, neck strain is an irritation to tendons, muscles and ligaments in the upper back and neck area. Whiplash is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion, such as in a car accident.  Sometimes neck strain can be brought on by an abrupt movement by the neck, such as whiplash.

Symptoms

Neck injury symptoms can include:

  • Pain or stiffness related to strained tendons and ligaments in the neck
  • Inability to turn the head, or pain with head movement
  • Radiating pain into an arm or hand
  • Numbness or weakness in a hand
  • inability to sleep, irritability or memory loss

This symptoms may be present right after a neck injury or may appear a few days after an injury, like a car accident where the neck experiences “whiplash.”

Diagnosis

The physician will assemble information through the following ways to determine what may be the pain generator:

  • Medical history: The neck specialist will conduct a medical history to understand the possible causes of your back and neck pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
  • Physical exam: During the physical exam, the neck specialist will try to pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility and muscle strength may also be conducted.
  • X-rays are a common first step in diagnostic testing. X-rays show bones and the space between bones. X-rays are of limited value, however, since they do not show muscles and ligaments.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to visualize soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type of imaging is very safe and usually pain-free.
  • CT scan/myelogram: A CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides diagnostic information about the internal structures of the spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor, or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves. A local anesthetic is injected into the low back to numb the area. Then a dye is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
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