Definition:

An injury to a ligament of the cervical spine when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but without dislocation or fracture; or an injury resulting from tensile force to muscle or tendon of the cervical spine.

Symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of ROM in the neck
• Weakness
• Pain worse with activity
• Pain less with rest

Causes:

• Whiplash injury
• Improper lifting
• Faulty posture
• Fall
• Direct blow

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching to neck
• Posture program
• Neck stabilization exercises
• Upper extremity strengthening exercises
• Soft tissue massage