Neck

Commonly known as a “crick or kink in the neck,” Torticollis is usually caused by muscle spasms, trigger points, vigorous movement or injury, or by sleeping in an awkward position. Common symptoms of torticollis are muscle pain, neck spasms, and the inability to turn the head.

Whiplash is an injury caused by the head being thrown first into hyperextension and then quickly forward. Whiplash most often occurs in car accidents, but may be caused by sports injuries or falls. Whiplash may result in a neck strain or sprain; it may also damage disks, nerves, and tendons. Common symptoms of whiplash include pain, weakness/numbness, tingling down the arm, dizziness, and stiffness.

A sprain or strain of the neck is caused by an injury to the ligaments or muscles. Muscle strain or sprain can cause aches and stiffness that can spread to your upper arm, shoulder or upper back.

A pinched nerve is caused by a nerve root compression in the neck. A pinched nerve can cause shooting pain that spreads down the arm into the hand and fingers. Shooting pain can be more serious if it occurs in both arms or hands vs just one.

“Stingers” or “Burners” are an injury to a group of nerves known as the brachial plexus. A Stinger usually occurs during a contact sport such as football when the neck and shoulders can be over stretched during a hit. A brachial plexus stinger will only affect one side of the body; it generally results in a loss of sensation along with sudden burning pain of the entire arm, which usually resolves quickly within minutes.