How Do I Know if My Neck is Sprained?
Our bones are connected by bands of tissues known as ligaments. A sprain occurs when these tissues tear or stretch unnaturally. Most mild sprains - including neck sprain, knee sprain, elbow sprain, and ankle sprain - can be treated at home.
Although treatable, sprains can cause considerable pain and discomfort. Sprains can also restrict our mobility. Neck sprains are one of the most common and frequently occurring injuries. You can develop one of these even without knowing at times. That is why it is important for you to know how to recognize an injury as a neck sprain.
In this article, we will look at the symptoms of a sprained neck. This will help you easily identify one the next time, even without visiting a doctor.
Common symptoms of neck sprains:
While a lot of symptoms overlap when it comes to everyday pains and injuries, if you are experiencing two or more of the ones listed here, you most probably have a neck sprain.
You will find it difficult to move or rotate both your neck and your head. Try turning your head in circles. If you find it restricting and painful, then the chances are that you are suffering from a neck sprain.
A stiff neck is one of the early signs of a neck sprain. If you find it hard to move your neck or feel stiffness in that region, then you might have sprained your neck. Do not leave even a slight stiffness of the neck and shoulders unattended. Take care of this before the injury worsens, as forced movement will only increase the discomfort.
A sprained neck can also cause mild to moderate nausea and dizziness. This feeling is often accompanied by a faint ringing in the ears.
If you are prone to headaches, you might feel them more intensely towards the back of your head. Due to their proximity, neck injuries - especially a stubborn neck sprain - can aggravate headaches in this part of your head.
One of the tell-tale signs of a neck sprain is sharp and lasting pains at the back of your neck or around your upper shoulders. Avoid moving a lot or lifting heavy weights during this time as it might worsen the injury and intensify these pains.
Spraining your neck does not limit your pain to the neck and shoulders. It can also cause pain, weakness, and a numbing or tingling sensation in your upper arms.
Finally, in case of a neck sprain, you would also be prone to heightened fatigue. You will find yourself getting irritable and exhausted faster and more easily than usual.
To treat a mild neck sprain, you can use a diclofenac pain relief spray or gel. You can also apply an ice pack or a heating pad to the affected area. However, if none of this helps, then your injury might be more severe. In such a situation, consult a doctor immediately.
