Shoulder and Neck Pain

Neck Strain »

Neck Strain Overview

The portion of the spine contained within the neck is referred to as the cervical spine. That's the site for injuries known as neck strain.

Unlike the rest of the spine (thoracic, lumbar, and sacral), which is relatively well protected from injury because it is enclosed by the torso, the cervical spine is more vulnerable to injury. This portion of the spine is encased in a relatively small amount of muscles and ligaments. Yet its normal function requires extensive range of motion.

The neck contains many vital anatomic structures, the most critical being the airway, the spinal cord, and the blood vessels that supply the brain. By definition, neck strain injuries do not involve serious injury to any of these vital structures and also are not associated with fractures or dislocations of any of the bones of the cervical spine. Significant injury to blood vessels and the spinal cord are also not part of the definition of a strain type of inju...

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