Neck Strain

• Neck Strain Overview
• Neck Strain Causes
• Neck Strain Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Neck Strain Exams and Tests
• Neck Strain Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications for a Neck Strain
• Follow-up
• Neck Strain Prevention
• Neck Strain Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Neck Strain Overview

Neck strain is injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move the head and neck. The neck is susceptible to injury because it is capable of extensive range of motion and is therefore less stable that many other body areas.

The neck contains many vital anatomic structures, the most critical being the airway (breathing tube), the spinal cord, and the blood vessels that supply the brain. Neck strain injuries do not typically involve serious injury to any of these vital structures and also are not typically associated with fractures or dislocations of any of the bones of the cervical spine.

Injuries of tissues that contract and move, such as muscles and tendons, are termed strains. Similar injuries to nonmoving structures, such as ligaments, joint capsules, nerves, bursae, blood vessels, and cartilage, are termed sprains. Both strains and sprains of the neck may involve tears to ligaments covering the cervical vertebrae, the many muscles of the neck (which move the head), and many other associated structures. They may also result in injury to cervical nerves caused by stretching or compression.

The neck is an area where stability has been sacrificed for mobility, making it particularly vulnerable to injury. Because you can be injured in a number of different ways, a detailed medical and job history (including an analysis of work activity) is often needed to fully evaluate a neck injury. It also helps to predict how long your recovery will take and what your prognosis will be following an injury.

A thorough physical examination is necessary, particularly in instances where symptoms of nerve injury occur. Other studies using the latest imaging methods and other techniques may also be helpful.

Seeing a doctor is essential for all neck strains with a significant mechanism of injury or for severe, persistent, or unexplained symptoms or problems. As with other conditions, supportive self-care is often enough for you to have a complete recovery.