Diagnosis:

Cervical sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries to the neck region. Both sprains and strains have symptoms of pain, stiffness, muscle spasms and/or weakness. However, a cervical sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the neck, where as a strain is injury to the muscles or tendons of the neck. Each one of these injuries can be especially bothersome to those they affect, and are typically caused by the stretching or tearing of soft tissues. Tissues can become damaged or torn from an overexertion of the neck often from an acceleration-deceleration injury such as whiplash. Other common causes of cervical sprain include falling, contact sports, weight lifting or poor posture while sitting at a desk for an extended period of time. Upon developing severe numbness following a car accident, it is important to immediately seek medical care. A Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physician will give a full evaluation to determine the existence of cervical sprain or strain and prescribe a proper treatment regimen.