Neck Pain (Cervical Strain)

COMMON CAUSES:

Neck pain may be triggered by a specific event, such a sport injury or motor vehicle accident. More common and less dramatic causes include reaching or pulling movements and awkward resting or sleeping positions.
Even poor sitting postures over time can lead to neck discomfort. Long term neck problems are more likely when pain develops gradually or discomfort is recurrent over a period of time. Chronic neck pain is often triggered by prior injuries, especially if original injury was severe or injury was not given enough time to heal.

A frequent complaint is that neck pain has developed for no apparent reason. The events preceding pain or discomfort will provide clues behind original cause even if the exact incident is not evident.

TREATING NECK PAIN:
Most cases of neck pain are not serious and respond to simple treatments.

• When pain develops suddenly or related to direct trauma, stop all strenuous activities to prevent aggravation of injury, increasing the damage, and healing delays.
• Most neck pain is related to muscle or tendon strain rather than injury to spine. Your neck may feel stiff and sore to touch. Muscle spasms may develop as strained muscle swells after injury.
• Rest and gentle stretching will help the muscles relax.
• Do not worry about headache development, unless direct trauma to head occurred or headache is severe. This side effect will resolve in time.
• Most injuries will not require X-Ray or other imaging studies. Depending upon severity of injury your healthcare provider will recommend further tests.

SEE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• Neck pain or headache development was caused by direct trauma to the head or if headache is severe.
• Weakness or sensation loss in arms that doesn’t resolve
• Pain prevents normal activities for longer than a few days.

Neck Pain (Cervical Strain)
Rehabilitation Exercises
REHABILITATION EXERCISES
RECOVERY TAKES TIME.

Rehabilitation may take weeks or even months depending on severity of injury. The severity of the injury will dictate recovery time. Slow, gradual rehabilitation will reduce healing time and prevent re-injury.

Once initial pain has eased a rehabilitation program of neck strengthening exercises as well as stretching exercises to increase flexibility is recommended to help prevent re-injury and pain.

Rehabilitation exercises are critical for recovery process. Do these exercises on a regular basis and you will see improvements in your posture, work endurance, and athletic performance. The exercises shouldn’t irritate your back or neck when done properly. If there is pain, STOP.

HELPFUL HINT: Take deep even breaths while completing stretches and concentrate on the exercises with slow steady movements. If you experience any discomfort other than muscle soreness, slow down the pace or decrease the number of repetitions. If pain persists, discontinue exercise and contact your healthcare provider.

REPEAT THESE EXERCISES TWICE PER DAY. AS NECK IMPROVES YOU CAN COMPLETE EXERCISES MORE OFTEN THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

Hot shower or heat may only be needed during the first 3-4 days of rehabilitation exercises.

Neck Pain (Cervical Strain) Rehabilitation Exercises

Neck Pain (Cervical Strain) Pain Prevention
THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS FOR A HEALTHY NECK

• Generally, neck should remain straight with chin pulled back in relaxed position
• Keep good posture while sitting at desk, reading, watching TV or driving.
• Avoid sleeping on stomach. Sleep on side, using pillow to keep spine straight
• If sleeping on back use pillow to support curve of neck, do not lift head.

Neck Pain (Cervical Strain) Pain Prevention (continued)
THE RIGHT AND WRONG FOR A HEALTHY NECK

Neck Pain (Cervical Strain) Pain Prevention (continued)
THE RIGHT AND WRONG FOR A HEALTHY NECK