acute neck strain (Jenna)

       A neck strain refers to the tearing of a neck muscle or tendon when it is stretched too far (is also referred to as "pulling a muscle"). This is different from a neck sprain, which involves injury to a ligament of the neck. The severity of the neck strain depends on the size of the tear and its location in the tendon or muscle. Mild neck strains often heals on its within a few weeks, however it presents alongside symptoms that may interfere with daily function (for example, mild to sharp pain). Additionally, more severe neck strains bring about more inflammation, which is associated with more swelling, more pain, and a longer time to full recovery. 
       
​  Two neck muscles that are commonly sprained include levator scapulae and the trapezius (see photo on the right). The severity of neck strains can be classified as follows:
  • Grade I: mild strain; only a few muscle fibers are partially torn; some pain but minimal muscle weakness
  • Grade II:  moderate strain; several muscle fibers are partially/fully torn; pain and some muscle weakness 
  • Grade III: severe strain; complete tear of the muscle or tendon; severe and debilitating pain

symptoms

  • Mild, achy to sharp neck pain, accentuated with neck motion 
  • Neck muscle spasm
  • Stiff neck and/or impaired mobility

causes

  • Poor posture 
  • Fall or trauma
  • Lifting something too heavy
  • Performing a new, strenuous activity
  • Repetitive neck movements

treatment

  • Tackling the cause of the injury:
    • Improving posture, activity modification, etc.
  • Ice/heat therapy
  • Over-the-counter pain medication
  • Physiotherapy

how does physiotherapy help?

  • Manual therapy, to realign joints of the neck and cervical spine to improve the range of motion, as well as reduce pain.
  • Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) induces local inflammation to improve blood flow, aid in healing, and reduce pain 
    • Promotes relaxation of the injured and surrounding muscles, reducing any spinal nerve or joint compression, and thus allows for improved mobility
  • Ice/heat therapy improves blood flow and reduces pain
  • Exercise prescription and modification will help in strengthening surrounding neck muscles to relieve tension from the injured muscle, as well as adjust the current exercise regimen to reduce the risk of reinjury