Which of the following could be a characteristic of a cervical sprain after an accident?

Pain with active range of motion is a characteristic feature of a cervical sprain following an accident. In a sprain, especially after a traumatic event like an accident, the soft tissue around the cervical spine, including ligaments, can become overstretched or torn. This injury typically results in inflammation and pain, particularly during movements that involve the affected area.

When a person attempts to move their neck actively, they may experience significant pain due to the involvement of the injured structures, making it difficult to perform certain movements without discomfort. This is in line with the body's natural response to injury, where movement often exacerbates the existing pain, especially in the acute phase following trauma.

Other aspects, such as the absence of muscle spasm, localized joint pain, or negative palpation findings, do not align well with the expected outcomes of a cervical sprain. Increases in pain during active motion specifically indicate the presence of underlying issues that are typical in sprains, reinforcing the association between motion and pain in this context.