How To Treat A Neck Strain Or Sprain Injury
Research has shown that when there is injury to muscles (strain) or ligaments (sprain) of the spinal joints, along with inflammation and swelling, it also creates abnormal motion in the injured tissue and joints. This abnormal motion causes further inflammation and irritation of the injured muscles, ligaments and joints — thus a vicious pain cycle develops. Untreated or improperly treated, the abnormal motion can lead to early joint degeneration and chronic pain.
Initial Treatment
The initial Treatment of a neck injury should work to reduce the inflammation and spasm. This should be followed by restoring the normal alignment and motion of the damaged joints.
Typical care in the initial stages of a neck strain or sprain injury could include:
- Ice
You should – Wrap ice or an ice pack in a towel (never apply directly to the skin) and place on the affected area for NO LONGER than 15 minutes. Remove for at least 1 hour, then repeat. 2-3 applications a day is advisable. - Rest
For a few days, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity, especially that which uses the neck, shoulders or upper body. You do not want to aggravate the injured tissue. - Gentle stretching
To attempt to restore the normal joint motion, you can try simple neck range of motion stretching. Slowly bending your head forward, back, side to side carefully feeling the muscles and ligaments stretch. DO NOT perform this if it causes pain!
Follow Up Treatment
Controlling the swelling and spams is just the beginning of treating a neck strain or sprain injury. Typically, the injury has caused abnormal joint motion, left uncorrected, this causes increased joint stress and produces early joint degeneration. Restoring normal joint motion is crucial to help prevent long term pain cycles.
Chiropractic Care
The best treatment to restore normal joint alignment and motion is chiropractic care. By gentle manipulation, therapies and specific joint exercises, chiropractic is one the most effective forms of treatment for neck strain or sprain injury.
Research has demonstrated 74-94% PATIENT IMPROVEMENT with chiropractic care! Why suffer when help is so readily available? Call Dr. Schmaltz today, (314) 731-4383 to schedule your evaluation.
If you have suffered a neck strain or sprain injury due to a car accident or wreck, you may be able to receive care with no up-front payment. By using a valid lien, we can work with the insurance company or your attorney.
• Khan S, Cook J, Gargan M, Bannister G. A symptomatic classification of whiplash injury and the implications for treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine 1999;21(1):22-25. Woodward MN, Cook JCH, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Chiropractic treatment of chronic whiplash injuries. Injury 1996;27:643-645.