Neck injuries can range from mild to severe. Any of the structures in the neck can be affected as a result of a neck injury, such as muscles, tendons (bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones), ligaments (bands of tissue that connect one bone to another), bones, joints, or nerves. The symptoms of a neck injury may include: pain in the neck (the pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms and even hands), stiffness of the neck, difficult neck movements, limited range of motion of the neck, tenderness of the neck, tingling or numbness in arms or hands; weakness in the arms, hands or fingers, headache and dizziness. Of the different types of neck injuries, the first type of injury includes neck sprains and strains. A neck sprain refers to the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments in the neck. Tension in the neck indicates overworked or torn muscles or tendons in the neck. The strain can be due to various causes such as sleeping in the wrong position, overexertion of the neck, etc. A neck sprain can occur due to sudden injury due to physical activity involving the neck or due to an accident. Neck injuries can also occur from falls, car accidents or during sports such as football. Other types of neck injuries include whiplash. It refers to a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck with great force, which usually occurs in rear-end car accidents. In addition to accidents, it can also happen through a fall or sports accidents or through physical abuse due to a blow to the neck.
The next type of injury is overuse injury of the neck due to long hours of work at the computer or repetitive activities involving the upper body and arms. A herniated disc is another type of condition that can occur as a result of neck injuries. This is a condition in which soft, jelly-like internal material of the intervertebral disc bulges out of the hard outer part. This is usually due to wear and tear of the disc, but can also be the result of sudden injury. Another neck injury is a cervical spine fracture. Although rare, it is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be very effective in treating cases of neck injuries. These medications promote wonderful healing of injured neck structures, along with pain relief. In addition to pain, these medicines also treat associated symptoms such as neck stiffness, neck tenderness, headache, tingling/numbness/weakness in the arms or hands. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for cases of neck injury of mild to moderate intensity. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for neck injury cases under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication. In cases of severe cases of neck injuries such as cervical spine fracture, it is strictly advised to seek urgent help from the conventional method of treatment.
Homeopathic medicines for neck injuries
1. Rhus Tox – For Managing Strains, Neck Sprains and Whiplash Injuries
Rhus Tox is a highly recommended medicine for treating cases of sprains and strains in various parts of the body including the neck. This medicine helps heal muscles, tendons and ligaments that have become overstressed or sprained. It is indicated for excessive pain and stiffness in the neck. The neck feels tense. Stiffness and tension in the neck become worse while moving the neck. There is relief from stiffness by massage and warm application to the neck. There is aggravation of the pain by turning the neck. Rhus Tox is well indicated for cases where the neck is strained by lifting heavy weights. It is also one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating whiplash injury cases.
2. Hypericum – For neck injuries due to a fall
Hypericum is a natural remedy that is very effective in treating neck injuries resulting from a fall. In cases where this is necessary, the slightest neck movement causes intense pain that makes the patient cry. The movement of the arms also causes severe pain. There is an intense sensitivity of the cervical vertebra (7 bones stacked on top of each other in the cervical spine) to touch. Headaches can also occur in some cases along with the above symptoms. Hypericum is also a useful drug in cases of spinal injuries that cause pinched nerves, leading to needle-like pain. Like the above drug, Hypericum is also a leading drug in the treatment of whiplash injuries.
3. Arnica – For neck injuries due to falls, blows and strains
Arnica is a very important medicine in the treatment of injuries resulting from falls or bumps, as well as in cases of sprains. This medicine helps treat cases of recent neck injuries as well as injuries that occurred a long time ago. In cases where this is necessary, there is pain and marked pain in the neck. The neck is intensely painful even with the slightest touch.
4. Bryonia – When neck pain is made worse by neck movements
This medicine is very useful for neck injuries when the neck pain is aggravated by neck movements. There is stiffness in the neck. The pain and stiffness are worse by touch. It becomes more painful when you move the head towards the shoulders. When this medicine is needed, there may also be a pulling sensation in the side of the neck.
5. Ruta – For treating sprains and strains in the neck
Ruta is a medicine of great value when it comes to treating cases of sprains and strains. In cases where this medicine is required, there is pain in the neck and shoulder blades. There is also a tense feeling in the neck. Then a pressure sensation is also felt in the neck and shoulders.
6. Magnesium Phos – To treat sharp, shooting pain in the neck
This medicine may be considered for the treatment of sharp, shooting pain in the neck. The pain may continue to move to different parts of the neck. The pain can also be felt in the back of the head and neck. The neck is painful to the touch apart from the above symptoms.
7. Calcarea Carb – For neck strain due to lifting objects
Calcarea Carb is a useful medicine for straining the neck due to lifting objects. In cases where this medicine is required, marked stiffness and stiffness is felt in the neck. In addition, there is also a headache. The pain is felt up to the top of the head. A burning sensation may be felt in the neck that radiates to the back of the head. It lasts all day and stops when you go to sleep at night.
8. Causticum – For neck pain that extends to the front of the head
Causticum is indicated when there is pain in the neck that extends upwards and to the front part of the head. In most cases the pain is tearing in nature. The neck is also very stiff. The neck muscles feel as if they are tightly tied. This is accompanied by a limited range of motion of the neck.
9. Kalmia – when the pain radiates from the neck to the fingers
This medicine is of great use in cases where pain radiates from the neck to the fingers. Initially, the pain gets worse at night. There is also stiffness in the neck. The neck muscles are painful to touch and there is pain when moving the neck. The pain from the neck can in some cases radiate to the head.