Cervical sprain (whiplash) usually results from a sudden movement or sudden motion. The head snaps back suddenly such as when an athlete is tackled while being unprepared. Muscle strains usually occur with ligament sprains. A sprain of the neck produces tears in the major supporting tissues of the neck.

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Symptoms
Symptoms include localised pain, point tenderness and restricted motion. A term called “muscle guarding” also takes place and this results from the pain where there is a reluctance to move the neck in any direction. The above-mentioned symptoms all persist for a time and may also be accompanied by tenderness over the transverse and spinous processes.

An interesting phenomenon with this condition is that pain may not always be experienced initially but always appears the day after the injury occurred.

Time out of action
Time out is usually in the region of three to four weeks depending on severity of injury and symptoms. – (Conrad Booysen, Biokineticist)

Other related articles:
Painkillers (Paracetamol)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
COX-2 specific inhibitors
Different Steroids
Cortisone injections 

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