Neck injuries

Minor injuries

Neck pain and stiffness are usually caused by a strain or spasm of the neck muscles or swelling of the neck joints. These minor injuries can occur if you twist your neck or hold your neck in an awkward position for a long time, such as when you work or sleep. You may feel like you have a "kink" in the neck. Minor injuries also occur from tripping, falling a short distance, or excessive twisting of the spine.

Neck pain and stiffness from a minor injury will usually get better and go away in 2 or 3 days.

Severe injuries

Severe neck injuries may result from whiplash in a car accident; falls from significant heights; direct blows to the face, back, or the top of the head; sports-related injuries; a stab or gunshot wound; or squeezing of the neck, such as strangulation.

If a severe neck injury has just occurred, treat the person as if he or she has a spinal injury. Call911or other emergency services to transport the injured person. Emergency treatment will reduce the risk of additional injury to the spinal cord.