Soft-tissue injuries: back and neck sprains and strains in Los Angeles

A plain-language look at sprains, strains and muscle pain after an accident and how they are usually evaluated.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 now. Do not use this form for urgent symptoms.

What it is

Soft-tissue injuries involve muscles, tendons and ligaments rather than bone. Sprains affect ligaments and strains affect muscles or tendons. They are common after car crashes, falls and work accidents and may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, muscle spasm and a limited range of motion.

Who it may help

People with pain after an accident that does not go away in a few days, that limits daily activity or that comes with numbness or tingling can ask a licensed provider to evaluate them. Soft-tissue injuries often do not show up on X-rays, so the exam and history matter.

What to expect

Care may combine relative rest, gentle movement, home exercises and in-office therapies. Many people improve over weeks. Your provider may refer you to another professional if the problem does not follow the expected course.

Risks to understand

Pain that is severe, getting worse, follows a major impact or comes with weakness, numbness in the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Insurance and questions to ask

Ask how progress will be measured, how long the provider expects care to last and what happens if you are not improving. Ask for a written summary of findings that you can share with your doctor.

Informational website. It is not a healthcare or legal practice, does not name or imply any particular provider or attorney, and does not give medical or legal advice. Using it does not create a provider-patient or attorney-client relationship. Content is general education only; talk to a licensed provider about your own care. Last reviewed: November 2026.