Types of Neck Injuries
Your neck is one of the most important features of your body. The neck provides support to the head, and the head contains the brain. Without use of your neck, you would likely have a rough time moving around and functioning properly. With this in mind, it can be very frustrating and painful if you fall susceptible to a neck injury. There are many different types of neck injuries and each of them come with their own set of symptoms.
Bone
Some of the most common types of neck injuries include the bones of the neck. The neck contains 7 cervical vertebrae that provide the structural integrity for the neck itself. Frequent cervical spine injuries include fractures or breaks. These often occur through falls, collisions, shallow dives, and any impact to the head or neck areas.
Neck bone breaks and fractures often show themselves with severe pain, bruising, tenderness, muscle weakness, and a decrease in feeling of the arms or legs when extreme. Treatment of bone breaks and fractures include immobilization, pain medications, and plenty of rest.
Tissue Types of Neck Injuries
The next type of neck injuries are in the tissue. Body tissue is broken down into various categories including muscle and connective tissue like ligaments and tendons. When these are injured, they are known as sprains and strains. While they can be highly painful, they are less severe than bone breaks and can often be treated in a shorter period of time.
The most common type of neck tissue injury is known as whiplash, and this occurs with a fast and rapid front and back motion of the head and neck. Treatment for neck tissue injuries often includes medications, applying ice, and potentially receiving physical therapy.
Discs
A third common types of neck injuries occurs in the discs. The discs of the spine exist between each individual vertebra. They have the distinct responsibilities of acting as shock absorbers of the cervical spine, connecting the cervical spine together, and allowing for slight mobility. The two most commonly experienced cervical disc injuries include herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of the cervical disc ruptures. This causes pain, numbness, and tingling throughout the arms.
Next, degenerative disc disease occurs naturally due to aging and is based around the compressing of these discs over time. Treatment for disc injuries include physical therapy, medications, and potential surgery.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
While the aforementioned conditions are general categories of neck injuries, some specific neck injuries are more common than others. These include whiplash, repetitive strains, and pinched nerves. Whiplash involves the straining of the neck muscles upon sudden jerking motion. This is common after car accidents due to the rapid deceleration.
Next, repetitive strains occur from daily overuse such as poor posture and sleeping habits.
Lastly, pinched nerves occur when a nerve is compressed, and this often causes a radiating pain, muscle weakness, and numbness down the arm and hand. Thankfully, neck injuries can be treated through measures like medications and therapy.
Treat Your Neck Injuries
Suffering with different types of neck injuries is often one of the most frustrating and discomforting pain that someone can deal with. If you have a suspected neck injury and are looking for treatment, Medical Care of WNY in Buffalo can help you.
Our medical staff will analyze your specfic situation for individualized care, as no two injuries are alike. Instead of dealing with the aches of a neck injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a neck specialist.
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