1. Sprains and Strains of the neck and spine
Injuries, Part 1
Sprains and Strains of the neck and spine

2. “Before & After” BELLWORK
Using a piece of notebook paper, answer the following questions, leaving a line between each answer. Put the paper aside until the end of class. 1. How do you get a neck muscle strain? 2. How do you get a neck sprain? 3. What does a neck muscle strain look like? 4. What does a neck sprain look like?

3. Objective
Differentiate between common injuries and their mechanisms, signs, symptoms and treatments.

4. 3 PART INTERVIEW
Find a partner. One person assumes the role of the interviewer and one is the interviewee.
The interviewer asks the assigned questions and notes the answers on paper.
Switch roles and repeat the process.
When time is called, be prepared to share the results of your interview with the class.

5. Questions on the neck and spine
Have you ever been injured or was someone you know injured? What was the injury?
2. What was the etiology/mechanism?
What was the pathology?
4. What was the treatment?

6. Terminology
Cervical collar- soft brace that fits around an athletes’ neck
Intermittently- alternating stopping and beginning again
Radiating- to spread out in a direction from the center

7. Cervical Sprain Mechanism
Despite having an excellent Range of Motion, it is subject to ligament sprains when it is forcefully moved beyond its normal range.
Mechanism: turning head to catch a ball and then athlete gets tackled by a defender. When hit forcefully from behind, the receiver often suffers a whiplash injury. The body is forced forward by the blow while the head moves backward which places the cervical spine into extension and stretches the ligaments and muscles at the front of the neck.

8. Cervical Sprain Signs and Symptoms
Usually intense pain if sprain is located in the neck
Palpation of the injured area is usually painful if the joint is sprained

9. Treatment of a Neck Strain
Rest
Ice (twenty minutes intermittently 6-8 times a day)
Cervical collar if warranted
Perform spinal tests to rule out possible paralysis
Refer to doctor if needed

10. Neck Flexors
Scaleni
Sternocleidomastoid

11. Cervical Nerve Stretch Syndrome “Burner” Mechanism
Head is forced into a lateral position while athlete’s arm is pulled in the opposite direction

12. Cervical Nerve Stretch Syndrome “Burner” Signs and Symptoms
Typically athlete walks off the field with his neck
pulled toward the side and the athlete is
supporting his arm
This mechanism of injury can result in burning,
tingling, numbness, and stinging sensations
Athlete may recover in seconds or minutes

13. Treatment for Cervical Nerve Stretch Syndrome “Burner”
Watch athlete carefully
Athlete monitors the intensity of the burning
Between 2-5 minutes the intensity should lower dramatically or disappear
Manual muscle test for strength and parethesia
Athlete stretches neck muscles, shoulder muscles and prepares to re-enter game/practice.
Instruct athlete to see athletic trainer after competition is over to re-check his/her neck

14. Low Back Muscle Strains Mechanism
Sudden rotation and contraction on an overloaded, unprepared or underdeveloped spine.

15. Low Back Muscle Strains Signs and Symptoms
Discomfort in low back may be diffused or localized in one area
Pain will be present on active extension and with passive flexion
No radiating pain

16. Low Back Muscle Strain Treatment
Ice 20 minutes 4-6 times a day
Gradual stretching and progressive strengthening once pain has subsided

17. Lumbar Sprain Mechanism
Typically occurs when the athlete bends forward and twists while lifting or moving some object. A traumatic force over extends the spinal joints and causes a sudden onset of deep sharp pain.

18. Lumbar Sprain Signs and Symptoms
Pain is localized
Located just lateral of the spinous process
Pain becomes sharper with certain movements
Any anteroposterior or rotational movement increases pain

19. Lumbar Sprain Treatment
R.I.C.E
Athlete may have to wear a supported brace
Stretching in all directions, (ROM) should be limited to a pain free range
Once appropriate, strengthening exercises for abdominals and back extensors should be initiated
Doctor referral may be indicated

20. “What’s My Injury?”
With a partner, choose an injury from today’s lesson
Write a creative scenario about that injury including the etiology, pathology, and treatment for the injury
Be prepared to share with the class

21. “Before & After” BELLWORK
Answer the following questions on the blank lines below your Bellwork answers to assess new learning. 1. How do you get a neck muscle strain? 2. How do you get a neck sprain? 3. What does a neck muscle strain look like? 4. What does a neck sprain look like? Turn in for credit.