Injuries to the neck that cause pain, swelling and loss of movement are common. A fragile network of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles is there to support the head and facilitate the connection between the spinal cord and brain. Neck pain can be sudden and debilitating, with the causes ranging from exercise-related injuries to just sleeping awkwardly in the night.

Sprains, strains and muscle tension can damage the soft tissue and make simple tasks such as sitting at a computer agony. The use of a neck collar will support the area during recovery and facilitate the application of other treatments such as heat packs and massage. Following any type of neck injury, neck braces are essential to take the weight of the head.

Stiff Neck

This is most commonly attributed to a muscle spasm that may be caused by an underlying issue in the neck. Symptoms include pain that forces the head to one side, stiffness when moving or a complete inability to move the head. The neck pain can radiate into surrounding muscles as they fight to support the damaged tissue. The use of neck braces will support the area and help prevent the pain from spreading. Heat packs can help relax the muscles and gentle exercises can stretch and release spasms, but it's essential that you consult a doctor before doing such movements. A foam neck collar will support the neck and prevent further sudden movements.

Cervical Disc Prolapse

Generally known as a slipped disc, this injury tends to happen to those between the ages of 30 and 50. There are seven vertebrae in the neck with discs in between. When the connective tissue that surrounds the discs break down, the soft jelly of the disc will swell, move out of place and protrude. As you grow older, the water content in the connective tissue reduces, damaging flexibility and making them more likely to split. Factors that can increase pressure on the spine include awkward movements, heavy lifting, jobs that involve a lot of sitting or traumas to the spine from falls or accidents. If a disc is damaged, neck braces will be needed to relieve this pressure.

If the slipped disc presses on a nerve, then severe pain in the neck may move to the shoulder and usually down the arm. Turning the head becomes painful so this immobility should be counteracted with a neck collar that will prevent further movements and keep the muscles warm. A neck collar will allow the muscles to relax so that physiotherapy may be carried out.

Whiplash

The result of traumatic movement of the head in sport or in car accidents, whiplash can affect the shoulders and arms too. If the head is propelled forwards and the chin hits the chest, the muscles and ligaments down the back of the neck will be overstretched. This can happen in the opposite direction, possibly causing a slipped disc or damage to the spinal cord, blood vessels and bone.

Symptoms include pins and needles, numbness and pain that increases over time. It is essential that a neck collar is worn immediately following the accident to take the strain of the head off the ligaments and muscles. Neck braces should be worn until the pain decreases and physiotherapy and massage can begin.