How Severe is Your Injury?
Neck sprains can range from mild or moderate to severe.
See how to tell which category of sprain your injury falls into and when to see the healthcare provider.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Neck Sprain Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of a neck sprain.
Delayed onset neck pain is possible too.
Rather, you may feel it one or two days later.
Headaches that are concentrated in the back of the head may accompany neck sprains as well.
You may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand following a neck sprain.
Grades of sprain span from mild grade 1 to severe grade 3.
A severe neck strain requires immediate medical attention.
Grade 1
A grade 1 sprain is the mildest form.
You may experience mild to moderate pain, some swelling in the area, and/or tenderness to the touch.
Grade 2
Grade 2 sprains are considered moderate and consist of partial tearing and some joint instability.
better to reduce your activity levels for a while.
Physical therapy treatment may be helpful.
Grade 3
Grade 3 sprains are serious, often resulting in complete ligament rupture.
You may experience a loss of function and joint instability.
The affected area will most likely swell up and become black and blue.
This is called ecchymosis.
It’s critical to keep the person as immobilized as possible until qualified help arrives on the scene.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The 7 faces of neck pain.
Clin Case Rep. 2019;7:1378-1381. doi:10.1002/ccr3.2248
