Schedule An Appointment With Us
Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our MOH-accredited orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
MBBS
MRCSEd
MMED (Ortho)
FRCSEd
A neck sprain is a condition characterised by the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the neck. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilise the neck, helping maintain the structure and function of the cervical spine.
Neck sprains can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and are typically accompanied by symptoms like stiffness, tightness in neck muscles, and limited range of motion.
Neck sprain can occur due to a variety of factors, each contributing in different ways to the development of this condition.
Neck sprain manifests through a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity and nature. These may not appear immediately but can develop hours or even a day after the injury.
Diagnosing a neck sprain involves a comprehensive approach to accurately identify the root cause and extent of the injury.
There are several methods available to treat neck sprain, focusing on alleviating pain and promoting healing. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and individual patient needs.
Rest and Activity Modification |
Initially, the neck specialist may suggest resting the neck and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain. This involves modifying daily tasks to reduce strain on the neck. |
Ice and Heat Therapy |
In the first 48 hours after injury, applying ice packs can reduce swelling and numb pain. After this period, alternating between ice and heat applications can aid in relief and healing. |
Pain Medications |
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often recommended for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Prescription medications may be necessary for more severe pain. |
Physical Therapy |
Engaging in physical therapy helps in strengthening neck muscles and improving range of motion. The neck specialist can also guide you in maintaining a good posture and help you achieve good ergonomics. |
Neck Braces or Collars |
In some cases, a neck brace or collar may be used for a short duration to limit movement and provide support, preventing further injury. |
Massage and Manual Therapy |
These therapies can relax tense muscles, reduce spasms, and improve blood flow in the affected area. |
Injections and Interventional Procedures |
For severe pain, injections of corticosteroids or local anaesthetics may be considered. Other procedures like facet joint injections or nerve blocks are options for extreme cases. |
Schedule An Appointment With Us
Consult our MOH-accredited orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Preventing neck sprains involves adopting habits and practices that reduce strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
MBBS
MRCSEd
MMED (Ortho)
FRCSEd
With over 18 years of experience, Dr Poh Seng Yew is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip, knee, shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and trauma surgery.
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturdays: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Please leave us a message, and we will be in touch with you shortly.
The recovery time for a neck sprain varies based on its severity and the effectiveness of the treatment approach. Minor neck sprains may improve within days to a couple of weeks with appropriate care such as rest, ice, and heat therapy. More severe sprains might require a longer period, potentially several weeks or months, for full recovery.
Neck strain and sprain are often used interchangeably but refer to different issues. A neck strain involves injury to the muscles or tendons in the neck, whereas a neck sprain concerns the ligaments. Both conditions share similar symptoms, such as pain and restricted movement, but they involve different tissues of the neck.
If a neck sprain is left untreated, it may lead to prolonged discomfort, decreased range of motion, and potentially chronic pain. Untreated sprains might also increase the risk of recurrent injuries. Neck sprain should be addressed promptly by a neck specialist to help prevent these complications.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, persistent symptoms that do not improve with home care or symptoms that worsen over time. This is also the case if you experience signs like numbness or tingling in the arms or hands, or if the sprain results from severe trauma, such as a car accident. A neck specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best course of treatment tailored to your specific condition.