Whiplash & other neck injuries

• Whiplash is a common injury to the neck muscles and ligaments, resulting from a sudden ‘back and forth’ movement such as in a road traffic collision.  As a result, the muscles of the neck contract vigorously to protect the spine and hold the head still. 
• Following a whiplash injury, the neck muscles suffer from strain, resulting in spasm, which is painful.  Also, as the ligaments of the neck are not resilient, the sudden ‘jerking’ of the neck results in them being overstretched and partially torn. 
• The result is a painful, stiff neck.
• Treatment for whiplash is to break the vicious circle formed by inability to move the stiff neck, which results in more pain and more stiffness.

 Care:

• When resting, use a pillow to support your neck whilst sitting or lying in bed. Ensure you support the neck (small roll pillow) to keep your head and neck in their correct alignment
• Gentle controlled movement of the head as described on the next page.
• Painkillers on a regular basis to reduce discomfort whilst mobilising the neck
• Ice packs over the back of the neck just following exercises

Other useful Information:

• After approximately 2-3 days, you may find benefit in spending some time in the local swimming pool (preferably the Children’s pool which is warmer).  Moving the neck, arms and back in water relaxes the muscles, reduces pain and speeds up healing
• The more you exercise your neck the faster will be your recovery. Ensure the exercises do not make the pain worse or cause any other feelings or symptoms

Exercises:

These may be painful initially, but will not harm your neck.  Try to repeat these movements at least ten times each hour.  Each day stretch the neck a little further.

• Straighten up and look ahead
• Try to touch your ear down to your shoulder
• Repeat with the other side
• Straighten up, now look round over each shoulder in turn
• Straighten up again, look upwards as if trying to point your chin to the ceiling, then downwards, putting your chin on your chest.

Sleeping:

Do not use too many pillows in bed.  If you need additional support use a small rolled up towel inside the bottom edge of your pillow case to provide that support to your neack.

Sleep on a firm bed, on your back or your side, never sleep on your face, this is a bad sleeping position, even for a healthy neck.

If you sleep on your side there are two points to remember -

Make sure that your head and neck are in line with the rest of the spine

The arm which you are lying on must be in front of the chest, not behind or underneath it

Relieving Discomfort:

• The pain in your neck will gradually settle as the full range of movement returns.  Once the spasm has stopped, applying heat pads or a covered hot water bottle helps. 
• Remember to protect your skin from a burn - protecting it with a small towel before applying heat. 
• Regular use of over the counter or prescribed painkillers will also help.

If you still have pain after 2 weeks or if it becomes much worse—see your GP