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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Pain In Neck And Head After Fall. What Muscle Could Be Pulled?

Hello, I have fallen and have been having severe pain in my upper back of my neck and head. I have had shock treatments and an xray. I cannot move my neck hardly at all, but most of the pain is on my left side. What muscle could I have pulled? Doctor thinks I may a sprained my neck, what does that mean exactly? Thank You!

Mon, 25 Nov 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Based on the description of your symptoms, I suspect that you could have possibly pulled your paravertebral/paraspinal muscles resulting in pain & stiffness with movements of the neck.

A sprain is an injury involving either stretching or tearing of a ligament (soft tissue that connects bone to bone) or a joint capsule, which help provide joint stability.

The general management guidelines for cervical sprain includes -

* REST - It is important to rest following the injury to allowed the injured soft tissues to properly heal.
* ICE PACKING - Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (first 48 hours after injury), and then after activities. Ice will help calm the inflammatory response and stimulate blood flow to the area.
* MOIST HEAT APPLICATION - Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the painful area prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat before an activity and ice afterwards.
* ANTIINFLAMMATORY MEDICATION - Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calm the inflammation.
* PHYSICAL THERAPY - may speed up the recovery process. Therapeutic modalities such as Ultrasound, Massaging and specific exercises will be helpful.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Pain In Neck And Head After Fall. What Muscle Could Be Pulled?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Based on the description of your symptoms, I suspect that you could have possibly pulled your paravertebral/paraspinal muscles resulting in pain & stiffness with movements of the neck. A sprain is an injury involving either stretching or tearing of a ligament (soft tissue that connects bone to bone) or a joint capsule, which help provide joint stability. The general management guidelines for cervical sprain includes - * REST - It is important to rest following the injury to allowed the injured soft tissues to properly heal. * ICE PACKING - Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (first 48 hours after injury), and then after activities. Ice will help calm the inflammatory response and stimulate blood flow to the area. * MOIST HEAT APPLICATION - Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the painful area prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat before an activity and ice afterwards. * ANTIINFLAMMATORY MEDICATION - Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calm the inflammation. * PHYSICAL THERAPY - may speed up the recovery process. Therapeutic modalities such as Ultrasound, Massaging and specific exercises will be helpful. Hope this information is helpful. Good day