Neck Sprain
A neck sprain occurs when a muscle or ligament supporting the seven vertebrae of the cervical spine is stretched or torn. Because the neck supports the full weight of the head while maintaining a wide range of motion, sudden or unexpected movements can easily overstretch these soft tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
What Causes a Neck Sprain?
Neck sprains are typically caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration forces that whip the head beyond its normal range of motion. Common causes include: Sudden jolts from road traffic collisions (frequently referred to as whiplash) Impact or contact sports injuries Falls or sudden trips where the head is jolted unexpectedly
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms often peak within 24 hours of the initial injury rather than appearing immediately. Common signs include:
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement
- Restricted range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, often originating at the base of the skull
- Muscle spasms or tenderness around the shoulders and neck
- Sore throat or discomfort when turning the head
- Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the arm or hand
- Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
If you experience progressive weakness in your arms or legs, severe numbness, or pain following a high-impact collision, seek immediate emergency medical evaluation.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your Fortius specialist will take a full clinical history detailing how the injury occurred and conduct a physical examination to check your neck's range of movement, muscle strength, and nerve function. To rule out underlying structural damage, they may arrange:
- X-rays: To ensure there are no cervical fractures or dislocations, and to assess for pre-existing conditions like osteoarthritis.
- MRI scan: If soft-tissue damage is severe or if you are experiencing persistent nerve-related symptoms like tingling or weakness.
How Is It Treated?
Most neck sprains heal safely within six weeks using structured, conservative management tailored to your recovery pace.
Treatment routes for Neck Pain
Short-term support using a soft collar may be recommended to relieve pressure on the healing ligaments. Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes several times a day, alongside anti-inflammatory medications advised by your clinician, can help reduce pain and swelling.
Our specialists
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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