Did you know that neck pain has a prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1000 population in 2019? Many ranges from minor to severe, crippling, and life-changing.
But what does it mean when your doctor gives you a neck injury diagnosis? How do you know what you are up against?
Below, you’ll learn about the different types of neck injuries. It will help you put your doctor’s diagnosis into perspective. Read on to learn more!
Sprain and Strain
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects two bones together. Strain, on the other hand, is an injury to the tendon or muscle, which is the tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
Both sprains and strains can be very painful and can make it difficult to move your head and neck. If you have a neck injury, it is important to see a doctor so that he or she can determine the best course of treatment.
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include rest, ice, heat, physical therapy, or medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. You can check resources on neck surgery types to understand what procedure is right for you.
Whiplash
This neck injury is often caused by car accidents, but can also be caused by other types of trauma. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing.
Whiplash can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary and may not appear immediately after the injury. If you have been in a car accident or sustained another type of head or neck injury, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy neck injuries are ones in which the nerve roots in the neck are compressed or damaged. These injuries can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
It is often caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or poor posture. Doctors can diagnose radiculopathy with a physical examination, MRI, or CT scan. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.
Myelopathy
There are many myelopathy neck injuries that doctors can diagnose, but some of the more common ones include cervical spondylosis, cervical disc herniation, and foraminal stenosis. These injuries can all lead to compression of the spinal cord, which can in turn lead to myelopathy.
Symptoms of myelopathy can include weakness, numbness, and problems with coordination and balance. If you think you may have one of these injuries, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Neck Injuries: What You Need to Know
There are many different types of neck injuries that doctors can diagnose, ranging from minor to major. If you have suffered a neck injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You may need to see a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist, depending on the severity of the case.
We hope that you found this article helpful. For more optimal health improvement, visit our blog often.
