Neck pain

Question 1

Cervical strain

Answer 1

• Pain, stiffness, spasms, tightness in neck and upper back
• From repetitive movement, bad sleeping habits, stress, poor posture
  S&S:
• Pain and stiffness
• Absence of neuro symptoms
• Decreased ROM
• Pain worse with movement
  TX:
• NSAIDs
• ROM exercises, heat and ice
• No collar

Question 2

• Whiplash

Answer 2

• Severe cervical strain
• Acute hyperextension and hyperflexion of neck
• From MVA
• Damages supporting ligaments and muscles of neck
  S&S:
• Severe pain and spasm of neck muscles
• Headache, dizziness
• Significant loss of ROM
• No neuro findings
  DX:
• None needed
• Radiograph may confirm spasm- no evidence of fracture
  TX:
• Same as strain
• Benzos for anxiety
• Active exercise therapy
• No collar

Question 3

Torticollis

Answer 3

• Congenital: found at 2-4 week of birth from malposition in utero and other MSK anomalies
• Acquired: injury vs inflammation from URI
  S&S:
• Pain
• Head tilted to the affected side with chin turned the opposite side
  DX:
  -Needs imaging
  TX:
• Treat underlying cause and PT