Neck and Back InjuriesMedical Author:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Ivette Motola, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD
Neck and Back Injuries OverviewTrauma to the neck and back can lead to spinal cord injury and permanent disability. If trauma occurs, the neck and back should be splinted and movement should be avoided. Accurately determining the cause and extent of the injury is important. The vertebral column has many ligaments and muscles that protect the spinal cord and assist in movement. Injury to any of these structures may cause significant and debilitating pain, even if a neck or back injury does not involve the nerves. |
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Neck and Back Injuries
Topic Overview
Most people will have a minor neck problem at one time or another. Our body movements usually do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury. Neck problems and injuries most commonly occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or projects around the home.
Neck pain may feel like a "kink," stiffness, or severe pain. Pain may spread to the shoulders, upper back, or arms, or it may cause a headache. Neck movement may be limited, usually more to one side than the other. Neck pain refers to pain anywhere from the area at the base of the skull into the shoulders. The neck includes:
- The bones and joints of the cervical spine (vertebrae of the neck).
- The discs that separate the cervical vertebrae and absorb shock as you move.
- The muscles and ligaments in the neck that hold the cervical spine together.
Neck pain may be caused by a...
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