Cervical Strain
Cervical Strain is an injury related issue. Every patient will remember a specific incident, usually of low energy. The trauma is not sufficient to fracture bones, but enough to injure muscles, tear ligaments or damage joints. This is similar to any other joint that is sprained, often times taking much more time for healing than a fracture. The pain is only around the spine and does not involve any neurologic structures. If there is any nerve deficit, this is not a strain and a more significant injury that requires complete x-rays and MRI to rule out fractures, dislocations or herniated disks. The treatment always involves stretching and careful return to exercise. If the pain is too much, time with the physical therapist can work out the injury in a few weeks. A short course of anti-inflamatories and muscle relaxants can also help.