The intensity of a ligament sprain (as well as a muscle strain) is measured in degrees, from mild to severe. Most likely you will feel pain with this injury. But you should be able to recognize some characteristics of pain specific to sprains, along with a few other symptoms. Should you suspect a neck sprain, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If symptoms are severe, consider the injury to be a medical emergency and seek help immediately. You will need to immobilize a person who has a serious neck sprain, and apply good first aid techniques in order to get them to safety.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the symptoms of neck sprain include:
- Neck pain that worsens with movement. This type of neck pain will be concentrated mostly in the back of the neck.
- Delayed onset neck pain. This just means you may not feel neck pain related to your injury the first day after the trauma. It may instead appear one or two days later.
- Muscle spasms (and pain) in the upper shoulder area
- A headache that is concentrated in the back of the head
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand
- A stiff neck
- Decreased flexibility in your neck when you try to move your head up or down, from side to side and/or when you attempt to roll your neck
- Sore throat
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
Other symptoms may include swelling, pain when the injured area is stretched (except possibly if it is a third degree sprain) and extra movement at the injured joint.
Sources:
Magee, D. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th ed. Saunders Elsiver. St. Louis. 2006.
Your Orthopedic Connection. Neck Sprain. AAOS website. August 2007.
Moore, K., Dalley, A. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore. 2006
