If you have fallen or were recently involved in a car accident, you may be diagnosed with a strained muscle, an injury that causes some of the muscle fibers to tear. In addition to impact accidents, overuse can also cause muscle injuries. For example, a warehouse worker who repeats the same motion over and over all day can tear neck muscles.
In most cases, a few days of at-home rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can typically heal a mild muscle tear. A more serious muscle tear, on the other hand, can cause pain that lasts for weeks or even months. It could even be a symptom of a severe injury such as whiplash.
With that in mind, if you’ve been experiencing neck pain for more than a few days after such an incident, see your healthcare provider for a thorough exam. Delaying treatment for a muscle injury could cause problems in the long run.
Symptoms of a Muscle Tear in the Neck
Whether it’s in the neck, back, or any other body part, the first symptom of a torn muscle is immediate pain. Muscles are bundles of fine fibers. When excessive force hits these fibers, or they are stretched beyond their normal capacity, the body’s immediate reaction is to send out a pain signal.
Other symptoms of a torn or strained neck muscle include the following:
- A stiff neck that presents difficulty moving normally
- Weakness in the neck
- Swelling
- Bruising and discoloration
- Muscle spasms
Muscle tear symptoms and torn ligament neck symptoms are almost identical, and each issue can get worse over time without treatment.
Conditions Related To Neck Muscle Tears
There are more than 20 muscles in the neck, and any of them can be injured in a car or workplace accident. Even sports injuries can result in a torn neck muscle. Regardless of how it is sustained, though, a neck injury can affect nearly every facet of your life. Driving, working, and even nodding your head may be painful.
Some of the most common neck conditions that could include a muscle tear include the following:
- Whiplash
- Muscle spasms
- Herniated discs
Your healthcare provider may recommend diagnostic tests such as CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs to diagnose your injury and determine the best course of treatment.
Common Treatments For a Neck Muscle Tear
Depending on the exact nature of your injury, your doctor may recommend rest, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of the three. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding movements that can make the problem worse, such as lifting heavy items or playing contact sports. Gentle stretching exercises like yoga and tai chi may be recommended instead.
Most muscle strains resolve on their own, but if the strain is related to a more serious injury, rest alone may not be enough of a solution. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and other pain management treatments may be needed.
Take Care of Your Strained Neck
No matter the cause of your injury or your exact diagnosis, it’s essential to follow all medical advice in taking care of neck injuries. It is especially important to prevent re-injury. Pain can worsen and even become debilitating. With that in mind, if your neck pain was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation that covers the cost of medical treatments and reimburses you for lost wages. Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney for more information.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in San Antonio, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Antonio, Texas, and need legal help, contact our San Antonio personal injury lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955, San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909