A strained neck can come from many places.
One of the most common causes of a strained neck is overusing the muscles. Neck muscle overuse can result from surprising factors, which include:
If you believe you’ve strained your neck, your doctor can perform a series of tests to confirm if this is the case. First, a physical exam can help give your doctor clues as to where the problem may be coming from. The physical exam can involve testing your range of motion and how your neck responds to specific positions. It’s here where your doctor will probe into how your injury occurred and ask how you believe your pain started.
Depending on your answers, your doctor can choose to evaluate you further by administering an x-ray to assess your neck further. The x-ray can help rule out other concerns, such as a hidden fracture or arthritis. After this, your doctor may give you an MRI or CT scan to examine your neck muscles for structural damage.
Most neck sprains eventually heal with time, and some home remedies can bring you some comfort. For instance, icing the area in 15-30 minute intervals, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and massaging the area can help. But, severe neck strains may require more involved medical treatment. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, your doctor may offer you solutions such as:
You don’t have to suffer from neck pain. The dedicated professionals at coastal spine are ready to help. Call us today at (856) 222-4444 to schedule a consultation at one of our five locations.