Cervical Sprain

The seven bones of the spinal column in your neck are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles–strong bands of tissue that act like thick rubber bands. A sprain or tear occurs in one or more of these soft tissues when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle collision or a hard fall, causes the neck to bend to an extreme position.

Common symptoms of a cervical sprain include pain in the back of the neck, muscle spasms, headache, sore throat, increased irritability, numbness and neck stiffness.

Common treatment options for a cervical sprain include massaging the tender area, an ultrasound, cervical traction and aerobic and isometric exercise.