Neck Pain

Common Neck Injuries

The Burner:

It is also known as stinger. Burner is caused by damage to the cervical nerves. Generally it happens while playing sports like football. There are two possible occurrences of this type of injury. One is when shoulder is pushed down and head is pushed upwards. Or it may occur when collarbone is hit when head is moved to one side.

Usually burner lasts for few minutes, but for some persons it takes some weeks to get cured. It creates tingling, numbness and weakness between arms neck and shoulders. Generally burner occurs in one arm only. If it is in both arms then it should be considered as one of the serious problem. One must take complete bed rest until he or she meets doctor. Actually no special treatment is needed to cure burners. Normal activities can be resumed after going of the burner symptoms.

Whiplash:
More serious injury occurs when one suffers through a vehicle accident, injuries during playing sports, etc. Sudden back and forth movement of the head causes damage to the soft tissues. This is known as whiplash. Whiplash occurs due to sudden stretching and twisting of ligaments connected to the spine. Whiplash may create pain suddenly or it may take time for that. Neck pain may be accomplished by neck stiffness, dizziness or headache. Some patients face sleeping troubles, loss of memory, concentration problems or even depression. Treatment of whiplash may start with the use of neck collars intermittently. Then doctors make use of physical therapy, muscle relaxants, neck traction devices and antidepressants. Nearly all symptoms of whiplash get cured within three to four months. Headache may continue for some more days. Fractures:

This is most serious neck injury. Fracture in the neck means broken vertebrae. If this injures spinal cord then it may lead to paralysis. It occurs due to car accidents, sports activity or falling down. It creates high intensity pain numbness or tingling or even paralysis. Injuries involving fractures may make person unconscious. If fracture is due to compression of bones, treatment may include use of neck collars neck traction devices. For serious cases surgery or rigid frame may be used. If such a neck injury is suspected then person should not be moved without the help of doctors. If they need to be moved urgently, care should be taken that head and body are moved together and are in the line.