Sprain or strain?

Neck strains and sprains are often confused. Neck STRAINS are caused by damage to the muscle or the tendons- the bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones.  Neck SPRAINS are caused by tearing of the ligaments-tissues that connect the bones to each other.  Typically, sprains and strains have the same causes, symptoms and treatments.

We often treat patients who are diagnosed with whiplash that have no immediate pain.  It can sometimes take several hours or days before it begins to hurt.

Whiplash or neck strain is commonly associated with car accidents.  Any impact that causes your head to jerk forward and backward can cause neck strain.  Common signs of a whiplash injury include:

• Neck Pain
• Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
• Headaches -particularly at the base of the skull
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Blurred vision and/or difficulty concentrating
• Ringing in the ears
• Pain when moving your head

If you have been in a car accident -immediately contact our office for a thorough examination.  You may need x-rays, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagining), or CT scan (Computed Tomography to rule out other problems.