Cervical Strain Injuries Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

A cervical strain is one of the most common causes of neck pain, particularly among athletes and active individuals. This injury occurs when the muscles and tendons that support the neck become overstretched or overloaded. These soft tissues stabilize the cervical spine, and when strained, they can cause significant discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

 

Athletes may twist, bend, or overextend their necks during training or competition. In more severe cases, a cervical strain can involve partial tearing of a muscle or tendon. Cervical strains can also occur from whiplash, which happens when the head is rapidly snapped forward and backward, such as during a car accident, a hard hit in sports, or any sudden impact. Fortunately, with proper care, most people recover fully and safely return to activity.

What causes Cervical Strain Injuries?

Cervical strain injuries usually happen when the neck muscles are pushed beyond their normal limits. This may occur from sudden force, repetitive strain, or poor posture over time. When the muscles or tendons in the neck are overstretched or overloaded, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Everyday habits, such as looking down at a phone for long periods or sitting with poor posture, also increase the chances of developing a neck strain.

1. How the Injury Occurs

• Sudden movement of the head during sports
  A quick change in direction or a sudden jolt during activity can overstretch the neck muscles, leading to strain.
• Quick twisting or bending of the neck
  Turning the head too quickly or bending it awkwardly can place excessive tension on the neck tissues.
• Impact injuries that cause the head to jerk backward and forward
  This rapid motion, often seen in motor vehicle collisions or contact sports, puts strong force on the cervical muscles causing them to stretch abnormally or tear.
• Lifting heavy objects without proper form
  Using the upper body or neck instead of the legs to lift can overload neck muscles and lead to strain.
• Sudden falls or collisions
  Unexpected impacts can push the head and neck into extreme positions, overstretching muscles and tendons.

2. Common Everyday Causes

• Poor posture while sitting, using a phone, or working at a computer
  Slouching or keeping your head forward for long periods strains the neck muscles and leads to ongoing tension.
• Sleeping in an awkward position
  Using too many pillows or sleeping with the neck twisted can overstretch muscles and cause morning stiffness.
• Carrying a heavy backpack or shoulder bag
  Uneven weight forces the neck and upper back to overwork, causing muscle fatigue and strain.
• Stress-related muscle tension
  Emotional stress often leads to tightness in the neck and shoulders, which can develop into a strain over time.
• Prolonged driving without breaks
  Holding the neck in the same position for long periods increases muscle fatigue and stiffness.

Sports Where Cervical Strain Is Common

Neck strain injuries are especially common in sports that involve quick movements, physical contact, or sudden changes in direction. These activities make the neck more vulnerable to rapid twisting, sudden force, or impact.

• Racket sports (tennis, racquetball, pickleball)
  Fast head turning to follow the ball and sudden directional changes can overstretch neck muscles.
• Football
  Frequent tackles, collisions, and sudden impacts place a strong force on the head and neck.
• Rugby
  Scrums, tackles, and high-contact situations often strain the cervical spine.
• Basketball
  Quick pivots, sudden jumps, and accidental collisions can cause sudden neck movements.

These sports involve repetitive or forceful motions that increase the risk of neck strain, especially if proper form or warm-ups are not followed.

Symptoms

Cervical strain symptoms can range from mild soreness to severe pain that limits movement. Common signs include:

• Pain that gets worse with movement: Turning or tilting the head increases discomfort.
• Tenderness: The neck may feel sore when touched.
• Muscle spasms: Tight, involuntary muscle contractions that make movement difficult.
• Stiff neck: Reduced ability to rotate or bend the neck.

In more severe cases, headaches, shoulder pain, or upper back pain may also develop.

Non-operative treatment

Cervical strain injuries  heal with conservative care. The goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent the strain from returning. Treatment includes:

• Rest: Avoid activities that worsen neck pain.
• Ice: Helps reduce swelling during the first 48 hours.
• Heat: Used later to relax tight muscles and improve flexibility.
• NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and inflammation.
• Muscle relaxants: Helpful for painful spasms.
• Physical therapy: Includes stretching, strengthening, posture training, and sports massage.

Your therapist may recommend gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:
Refer to the PDF Exercise Program 

Cervical Strain Protocol