What is the most likely cause of neck pain in a patient with severe pain and stiffness after a motor vehicle collision?

The most likely cause of neck pain in a patient who has experienced severe pain and stiffness following a motor vehicle collision is a cervical sprain. A cervical sprain refers specifically to the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the neck due to sudden and forceful movements, such as those that can occur during a collision. This type of injury often leads to considerable pain, stiffness, and possibly swelling, which aligns with the symptoms presented in the scenario.

During a motor vehicle accident, the rapid backward and forward movement of the head can cause the ligaments to be overstretched, resulting in inflammation and pain. The formation of a cervical sprain could be accompanied by other related injuries, but the mechanism of injury and the typical presentation of symptoms point primarily to a cervical sprain being a common outcome in such incidents.

While whiplash injury is also a legitimate concern, it is more accurately described as a specific type of cervical sprain associated explicitly with the motion of the neck during an accident and encompasses a broader category including both sprains and strains. Herniated discs and muscle strains can occur due to trauma as well but would typically present with varying symptom patterns not specifically indicated in this scenario. Thus, cervical sprain is the most fitting diagnosis given