Most Common Neck Injuries

23 Jan Most Common Neck Injuries

Neck pain is well, a real pain in the neck. It can be hard to go throughout your day when there is a debilitating pain that is hard to ignore. Neck injuries can be serious but are often treatable. If rubbing and stretching out your neck pain isn’t working, you may have unknowingly sustained a neck injury.

At times, these injuries can initially go unnoticed. It’s rare, but neck pain can be a symptom of something more serious. If your neck pain isn’t going away, you may want to consult a medical professional. If left untreated, neck pain can spread to shoulder pain or even down your arms.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash happens when there is a sudden movement or jolt that causes your head to move violently. It can damage the soft tissues in your neck. The symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, tingling sensations, numbness, and weakness in your neck. The muscles, ligaments, and nerves in your neck can be damaged. Whiplash can have chronic effects but is more often a short term injury. It is most common in a car accident but can also happen in other everyday activities. Any sudden and jarring movements can impact your neck.

2. Pinched Nerve

A nerve pinch injury is very common in sports. A pinched nerve is caused when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by its surrounding tissues, it can disrupt the nerves function. This happens when a nerve in the neck produces a sharp, shooting pain that extends to the neck and arms. It means that the nerve is unable to transmit sensory impulses to the brain. Most pinched nerves will go away on their own.

3. Repetitive Strain

When you do the same repetitive motion, it will eventually start to wear on your body. Your neck is no exception. Poor posture is often the culprit. Office workers often experience this strain while maintaining poor posture while working at a computer. Sleeping on an inadequate bed or pillow may also contribute to the problem. Any sort of repetitive muscle strain will eventually take its toll on your neck. It may be a very small movement, but over time it adds up. If you notice a pain in your neck but have not experienced any recent injury to tie it too, take a look at the repetitive motions throughout your day.

4. Herniated Disc

If you feel pain that radiates down your arm and possibly into your hand, you may have a herniated disc. You may also feel pain when turning or bending your neck. You may also experience muscle spasms. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk is pushed through the crack of the tough exterior casing. Some herniated discs will heal on their own and can even go unnoticed. While others require medical treatment. If you suspect that you have experienced a herniated disc, consult with a medical professional to ensure that your symptoms do not become chronic.