Common Types of Neck Injuries
- Posted on: Nov 15 2018
Neck pain can be one of the worst types of pain, especially if you have to work or run errands instead of lying your head down and resting your neck. There are a number of different injuries that can lead to pain in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Some of these issues can be treated with chiropractic care or physical therapy. Here are some common types of neck injuries and what causes them.
A Crick in Your Neck
One very common issue is a crick in the neck. This isn’t a medical term, and the actual cause can be anything from arthritis to a muscle spasm. Cricks are often caused by sleeping with your neck at an odd angle or holding your head in a certain position for too long. Looking down at your phone or using your computer for long hours without taking a break or stretching can cause this painful issue.
In most cases, a crick in the neck is nothing serious. It will usually work its way out on its own, and you can take some over-the-counter medication for the pain. However, if your crick lasts for over a week or is extremely painful, you need to seek medical attention.
Muscle Strain
When you’ve strained one of the different muscles in the neck, you may experience pain, spasms, and reduced movement for a short period of time. Strains are rated from one through four. A Grade I strain is minor and treated like a crick. Grade II strains are often also nothing to worry about.
Grade III and Grade IV strains, on the other hand, are much more serious. Grade III strains often include nerve damage, while Grade IV strains include fractures or dislocated vertebrae.
Ligament Injuries
If you’ve sprained your neck, you’ve injured the ligaments that hold your bones together. A neck sprain might be caused by twisting your neck too quickly or by falling. Like strains, neck sprains range from mild to severe. Mild sprains may simply need a rest, while more severe issues require medical attention.
If you’re dealing with pain in your neck, a chiropractor may be able to help relieve the pain and solve the underlying condition. Contact Maximum Orthopedics today to book an appointment with our chiropractic experts.
Posted in: Blog, Orthopedics, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation Benefits