Overview - neck injuries

Neck Pain

Over the course of a year, between 30 and 50% of the population experiences neck pain. This pain can arise suddenly or develop over time, and it can take many forms. Neck injuries are often associated with headaches.

Neck pain can come and go, but certain groups are particularly prone to experiencing it over time. Soccer players are an example of such a group.

Acute neck pain is usually triggered mechanically, that is, as a result of impact or sudden twisting (a kink in the neck), or due to, for example, a fall or a traffic accident (whiplash injury).

Complex causes: Neck pain is often complex. It can radiate to the arm, hand, and head, and it often has more than one cause. Although the pain is experienced physically, there is often a clear connection to psychological factors.

Symptoms: The interactions in the neck are complex, and the pain pattern can be multifaceted. The pain can be linked to various parts, such as muscles, neck joints, intervertebral discs, and the nervous system. However, it can be difficult to determine what is causing what.

Neck pain can radiate down the arm or hand, and it can spread to the head.

Neck pain rarely occurs on its own. In the context of sports, there is often a connection to non-physical factors such as conflict with a coach, lack of motivation, poor performance, burnout, and depression. In such cases, in addition to physical exercises, it may be helpful to consult a psychologist or a coach.

 

Acute Neck Injuries

Serious, acute neck injuries are not common in sports, but they can occur, particularly in sports involving contact with other athletes, high speeds, and sports that generally involve significant forces and falls resulting from jumps and landings.

Fortunately, not all injuries are serious. Rapid twisting, impacts to, or falls on the head and neck usually result in relatively minor muscle and soft tissue injuries, though they can still cause intense pain and stiffness in the neck.

To prevent the injury from worsening, the athlete must be moved properly if the symptoms or the mechanism of injury—such as a fall during a jump while skiing, snowboarding, or on a trampoline—raise suspicion of a serious injury.

If the acute neck injury is not serious but still causes pain and stiffness, you can safely move your head and neck. Careful and gradually increasing movement and light massage of the soft tissues in the neck reduce pain and tension in the neck muscles.

If a serious neck injury is suspected, it is important to stabilize the head and neck. Do not adjust the head position of someone who is conscious, nor move the patient until a qualified professional is present. Remember to call the emergency number for help as soon as possible.

You can read more detailed information about these injuries, as well as other articles on neck injuries, by clicking the links on this page.