![]() ![]() Neck sprains or strains rarely require surgery. Symptoms of arm weakness, numbness, or shooting pains should be investigated further. Whilst most symptoms resolve in one or two months, severe injuries may take several months to heal completely. Aerobic activities, such as walking or swimming, should be started early. MODIFYING ACTIVITIESĮarly return to work is encouraged, usually with modifications in your workplace activities, which can be eased with time and recovery. Other treatment options include massaging the tender area, ultrasound, and physiotherapy. Heat can help relax cramped muscles, but should not be applied for the first few days. An ice pack may be applied for 15-30 minutes, several times a day for the first two or three days after the injury. Muscle relaxants can be used to help ease muscle spasms. MEDICATIONĪnalgesics and anti-inflammatory medications are often used to reduce pain and swelling. ![]() In cases where there is severe disc and/or ligamentous disruption, a hard collar (such as an Aspen Collar) may be prescribed. COLLARSĪ soft cervical collar may be worn for comfort. Like sprains in other parts of the body, neck sprains usually heal gradually, with time and appropriate treatment. These symptoms usually warrant a more extensive investigation. Headaches, especially at the back of the head (‘cervicogenic headaches’) are common.Īrm or hand pain, fatigue, numbness, tingling or weakness may be a result of nerve or spinal cord injury or compression. Muscle spasms and pain between the shoulder blades or over the trapezius muscles (between the shoulders and the neck) may also occur. Pain at the back of the neck is often worse with movement, and frequently peaks one or two days after the injury before improving. The symptoms of whiplash may include neck stiffness or reduced range of movement, neck pain, headaches, and even arm pain. The actual cause of symptoms can be either a stretch or tear of the ligaments or muscles, or even compression of the spinal nerves. The term “whiplash” is best used to describe the way the injury occurred, although some use it as a diagnosis. Although most recover quickly, some develop chronic severe pain that may result in significant disability. It is common to find that these symptoms are worse a day after the injury. The most common form of injury is a rear-end motor vehicle accident, where the head and neck rapidly bend a long way forward before stopping suddenly or even being thrown backwards.Īpproximately 20% of people involved in rear-end motor vehicle accidents experience neck symptoms later. It is caused by a sudden and severe neck movement. 26 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to significantly increase gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly and must be used with caution.Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a strain, sprain, or tear in the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments). 25 Muscle relaxants, external back-braces, and physical therapy modalities also may help. Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin) nasal spray can be used for treatment of pain. If bowel sounds and flatus are not present, the patient may require evaluation and treatment for ileus. Oral or parenteral analgesics may be administered for pain control, with careful observation of bowel motility. ![]() Prolonged inactivity should be avoided, especially in elderly patients. Patients are treated with a short period (no more than a few days) of bedrest. Traditional treatment is nonoperative and conservative. Fortunately, compression fractures are normally stable secondary to their impacted nature. A stable fracture will not be displaced by physiologic forces or movement. The physician must first determine if the fracture is stable or unstable. Family physicians can help patients prevent compression fractures by diagnosing and treating predisposing factors, identifying high-risk patients, and educating patients and the public about measures to prevent falls. Interventional procedures such as vertebroplasty can be considered in those patients who do not respond to initial treatment. Traditional conservative treatment includes bed rest, pain control, and physical therapy. While the diagnosis can be suspected from history and physical examination, plain roentgenography, as well as occasional computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are often helpful in accurate diagnosis and prognosis. More severe fractures can cause significant pain, leading to inability to perform activities of daily living, and life-threatening decline in the elderly patient who already has decreased reserves. Vertebral compression fractures usually are caused by osteoporosis, and range from mild to severe. Compression fracture of the vertebral body is common, especially in older adults. ![]()
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