Neck pain, strain, contusion, and fracture
Injuries to the neck can be severe in the case of fractured or broken vertebrae. Neck strains are less severe and a lot more common, and involve harm to the muscles or tendons of the neck. Contusions are bruises to the neck’s skin and underlying tissue, generally caused by a direct blow.
Cause of injury
Sudden twisting of the neck. Serious fall. A direct blow to the neck.
Signs and symptoms
Head, shoulder and neck pain. Crackling feeling. Loss of freedom and neck strength.
Complications unattended
Injuries to the neck deserve medical care and are usually serious. Paralysis, loss of coordination and movement, calcification and osteoporosis are potential side-effects. In the event of fracture, the harm is occasionally fatal and may cause paraplegia.
Immediate treatment
Immobilization to protect the spinal cord. Analgesics for pain.
Rehabilitation and prevention
Immobilization for weeks with a brace may be recommended for the neck strains. Together with screws, the vertebrae could be surgically pinned in cases of fracture and the individual could be put in a neck cast. Physical therapy, sports massage following healing will try to re-establish strength, range of movement and flexibility. As attention to the technique in addition to helmets or other headgear can help stop some neck injuries.
Long-term prognosis
Outcomes for neck injury vary depending on the seriousness and nature. The prognosis is worse with accidents occurring higher up the spine in cases of fracture.
Contusions and strains are much less serious and their outcome given rehabilitation and treatment is great. Some strains may require surgical repair.
Sports massage in Watford for neck pain
A neck massage is focused on the muscles around the neck and shoulder area. Some muscles worked on during a neck massage include the sternocleidomastoid, scalenes and upper trapezius. A neck massage will relieve tension, reduce headaches and increase blood flow. Different massage techniques are used to achieve many benefits by increasing muscle temperature to help improve tissue elasticity and reduce joint stiffness. Our sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy uses sports massage to help reduce pain, improve range of motion and release muscle tightness.
Feel better – Move better – Be pain free
Neck stretching and strengthening exercises
