Cervical Sprain: What It Is, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A cervical sprain, also known as whiplash, is a common injury after car accidents or sudden neck movements. While many cases resolve favorably, it can cause pain, stiffness, and functional limitations if not treated properly. Below, we explore its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and the role of telerehabilitation with digital tools like TRAK.

The most frequent cause is a sudden acceleration-deceleration, which overstretches cervical muscles and ligaments. The main whiplash symptoms include:

• Pain in the back of the neck, sometimes radiating to shoulders and arms.
• Stiffness and limited neck mobility.
• Headaches, dizziness, or a sense of imbalance.
• Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and in more severe cases, concentration problems.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of a cervical sprain include an improperly adjusted car headrest, prior neck injuries, or pre-existing muscle weakness.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the accident history and physical exam. The clinician will assess range of motion, pain, and possible neurological symptoms. If complications are suspected, imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be recommended.

• Cold therapy: apply cold packs during the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation.
• Heat: after the first few days, heat can help relax muscles.
• Gentle movement: avoid complete rest. Gradual movement within pain limits is encouraged.

Therapeutic exercise programs for cervical recovery are essential. They include gentle mobility work, progressive neck strengthening, and postural control techniques. These exercises promote functional recovery and lower the risk of chronic pain.

• Avoid prolonged use of a soft collar unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
• Promote good sleep routines to aid recovery.
• Incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce associated muscle tension.

• Adjust the car headrest to the correct height.
• Maintain good muscle tone in the cervical and shoulder region.
• Correct poor postural habits at work and during rest.

Telerehabilitation offers an innovative approach to recovery from cervical sprain. With TRAK, patients can follow personalized programs at home, receive real-time corrections, and stay in contact with their physical therapist without traveling. Benefits include:

• Better adherence to prescribed exercises.
• Continuous monitoring and progress tracking.
• Prevention of relapses through tailored maintenance programs.

Initial inflammation is a natural part of healing. However, if it persists for weeks, it may signal chronic pain. Early, targeted physical therapy is key to breaking this cycle and restoring function quickly.

Cervical sprain is a common injury, but it can be effectively treated with an evidence-based approach: gradual movement, therapeutic exercise, cold and heat application, and postural correction. Telerehabilitation platforms like TRAK help clinicians optimize treatment, improve patient access, and ensure closer, more effective follow-up. The key is not to normalize pain, but to seek professional evaluation early.