Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooNeck Sprain

Neck sprains are stretched ligaments, and neck strains are stretched muscles, in the neck. They can happen when a sudden movement, such as a car collision or a hard fall, causes the neck to bend or twist to an extreme position (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). The neck can be forced beyond its normal range very quickly and then snap back forcefully. This is known as whiplash, which is commonly seen after rear-end car collisions (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Whiplash most often happens after a traffic accident; other common causes include a slip or fall and sports injuries (NHS, 2026).

You might have pain, especially at the back of the neck, that gets worse with movement. The pain might not appear straight away: symptoms can start hours after the injury, and the pain may peak a day or so later (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). You will likely have stiffness in the neck that makes it difficult to move your head (NHS, 2026). Headaches, pain and muscle spasms in the shoulders and arms are also common (NHS, 2026). Other symptoms can include irritability, tiredness, difficulty sleeping and difficulty concentrating (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Often the terms neck sprain and neck strain are used interchangeably. But generally, a neck sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the neck, and a neck strain is an injury to the muscles in the neck (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

The spinal cord runs through a tube inside the spinal column. This thick bundle of nerves starts at the base of the brain and relays information between the brain and the body. Shock-absorbing discs sit between the vertebrae, and muscles and strong ligaments help to hold the column together and keep it stable (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). All of these structures work together to surround, protect and support the spinal cord.

Keeping your neck moving and gentle neck exercises are a key part of recovery (NHS, 2023; NHS, 2026). If it's a mild sprain or strain, I can help with hands-on work, gentle mobilisation and exercises; if the injury is more serious, you'll need to see a doctor first, and then I can support your recovery. See the My Approach tab for how I work.

Most neck sprains and strains improve with time, and staying active helps. How I help depends on how badly it's hurt.

If it's a mild sprain or strain: you can move your neck, even if it's sore and stiff, and you have no numbness, tingling or weakness. I treat these directly, starting gently and building up as it settles.

If it's a severe injury: severe pain, pain shooting down your arms or legs, numbness, tingling, weakness or any other warning sign needs medical care first (see Warning Signs: Get Help Urgently). Once you've been checked and your medical team is happy, I support your recovery within their limits, and after a fracture or surgery I need their okay before any hands-on work.

• Firmer work on tight, stuck-down areas, then gentle stretching, or lighter pressure if your neck has become very sensitive
• If it isn't improving as expected, I'll suggest checking in with your family doctor or nurse practitioner