Dr. Jeffrey I. Kennis,  D.C.
205 Commercial St Boston, MA 02109 NORTH END

( 617)720-2329


 

Depending on the extent of the damage, symptoms of a neck strain or sprain can range from mild discomfort to painful muscle spasms.

See Neck Strain: Causes and Remedies

Cervical Spine

A neck strain is not a serious injury; but the resulting pain can be severe. Watch: Neck Strains and Sprains Video

Our video walk-through can help you visualize how soft tissue injuries lead to neck strain:

Video highlights

There are numerous soft tissues (including muscles, tendons, and ligaments) that attach in and around your cervical spine (neck).

See Cervical Spine Anatomy

These muscles, tendons, and ligaments all work in tandem to support your neck and head. At the same time, they also enable movement in your neck. A neck strain or sprain occurs when one or more of these soft tissues is stretched beyond its normal range (or is injured in another way).

Watch: Cervical Spine Anatomy Video

Muscle strain examples

The trapezius muscle (pictured below in purple) is a large muscle that connects your shoulders and neck. Its function is to control the large motor movements in your neck.

Upper Back Strain

When your trapezius muscle is stretched beyond its normal capacity, it can lead to pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulder blades, and shoulders.

See When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?

Cervical Tendons

The image above shows tendons in your neck (pictured in purple). These bands of fibrous tissue connect your muscles to your bones. A neck strain occurs when the tendons and/or muscles in your neck are overly-stretched, torn, or otherwise injured.

Neck Ligaments

Ligaments (pictured above in red) are bands of fibrous tissue that connect your spinal bones and provide stability for your neck joints.

If the ligaments in your neck are overly-stretched or torn, a neck sprain can result. This injury produces pain and inflammation similar to an ankle sprain.

Common injuries that lead to neck strain

Neck Strain

Damage to your soft tissues often results from a sudden injury, such as whiplash injury. Whiplash can occur as a result of a car accident, in which your head is forced suddenly forward and then backward.

See Whiplash Symptoms and Associated Disorders

Neck strain can also result from poor posture over time. For example, leaning forward and/or looking down for long periods while texting or looking at a computer screen can take its toll on your neck (a phenomenon know as text neck).

See How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain

Neck Strain

Inflammation and muscle spasms may also occur around the injury as your muscles work to stabilize your soft tissues, and these muscle spasms can be extremely painful.

See What Causes Neck Spasms?

Treatment options

While it is common for soft tissue injuries to resolve after a few days, it is a good idea to seek treatment both to ease acute pain and to help prevent future flare-ups of pain.

Watch: Treatment for Neck Strain or Sprain Video

Common first-aid treatment options include:

Additionally, after the initial flare-up of pain a program of neck stretches and strengthening exercises can help prevent future injuries.

See Neck Stretches and Neck Strengthening Exercises

Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting an exercise program, as the wrong kinds of exercises can actually make your necks strain worse.

See What to Consider Before Starting Exercises for Neck Pain

Learn more:

Neck Exercises for Neck Pain

Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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