Neck

The spinal column is composed of a cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, and sacral bones. In between each vertebrae lies an intervertebral disc which cushions the spine and acts as a shock absorber with movement.

Herniated Disc:

When a cervical disc becomes herniated, the disc can press on nerves and cause pain, numbness and tingling. A disc can be damaged by a fall or accident, repeated straining of the neck, lifting weights, violent twisting and can occur without any specific mechanism of injury.

Symptoms:

  • Neck Pain- an achy pain
  • Numbness, tingling, pain, weakness in one or both arms
  • Cannot straighten your neck without extreme pain.

Diagnosis:

  • Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries, and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete examination of your neck. Your physician may also send you for an MRI or CT scan.

Treatment:

  • Use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off for the first 72 hours
  • Heat Pack
  • Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician.
  • A neck collar or neck brace may be issued to help relieve muscle spasms
  • Massage
  • Traction – relieves pressure in the neck by putting the bones and muscles under tension.

Rehabilitation:

  • Your physical therapist will work with you to reduce pain and strengthen the muscles that support your neck and shoulder.

Neck Strain & Spasms

A strain occurs in muscles; specifically it is the tearing or stretching of muscle fibers. Neck strains can result from whiplash. A spasm can occur when the muscles contract involuntarily either as the result of an injury, overuse, poor posture, or stress.

Symptoms:

  • Pain and tenderness in your neck
  • Pain when moving your head
  • Tension headaches
  • Muscles are hard, tight and painful.

Diagnosis:

  • Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete examination of your neck. Your physician may also send you for an x-ray.

Treatment:

  • Use ice on the area for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off for the first 72 hours.
  • Heat Pack
  • Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication as prescribed by your physician.
  • Stretching the neck muscles.
  • Massage
  • Physical Therapy

Prevention:

  • Strengthen the muscles that surround your neck
  • If you are at a desk throughout the day, take breaks and stretch your neck.