A neck injury can occur when your head is jolted backwards and forwards or sideways suddenly, for instance in a road traffic accident. It can also occur in sports such as football or boxing. This injury is sometimes called “whiplash” injury.

The muscles of the neck contract quickly to protect the neck and keep the head still. As a result, some of the soft tissues, such as the ligaments and muscles, may be overstretched. The result is a painful and stiff neck.

You may experience pain at the time of the injury, but often symptoms develop over 24-48 hours. The pain and stiffness is often worse the day after the injury.

What to do following a neck sprain

• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and/or painkillers such as paracetamol with or without codeine will help to ease the pain. It is important to take them regularly rather than only when the pain is severe to prevent the pain geeing worse. These tablets can be taken together but please discuss this with your doctor.
• Apply an ice pack to the neck as soon as possible after the injury occurs to help reduce inflammation and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this can cause an ice burn. Use crushed ice wrapped in a damp towel for 10-15 minutes several times per day.
• After 48 hours use heat- either by means of a heat pack or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Apply the heat over the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
• Maintain a good upright posture at all times to avoid slouching to prevent the pain and stiffness in the neck from getting worse.

The neck may be most painful and stiff in the morning when you wake up.

Try to arrange your pillows so that your neck is in a neutral position when you are asleep. You can try placing a small rolled towel under your neck when lying on your back to support the natural curve or try sleeping on your side with a pillow to support your neck.

Following a neck sprain, it is important to restore normal movement to aid recovery. Exercise the neck gently so that it doesn’t become stiff. The following exercises will help to speed up your recovery. Do all the movements slowly and gently but a point which is a bit uncomfortable.

Exercise 1

Sitting straight backed in a chair. Pull your chin in, keeping your neck and back straight (not tipping your head forwards). Hold at the end position and feel the stretch in your neck.

Exercise 2

Sitting. Bend your head forward until you feel a stretch behind your neck. Hold for a few seconds and relax.

Exercise 3

Tilt your head to one side until you feel a stretch on the opposite side. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat to other side.

Exercise 4

Sitting. Turn your head to one side until you feel a stretch. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat to other side.

Do not get down-hearted if progress is slow. As long as the pain gets less severe and frequent gradually then you are doing fine. If it stops improving after the first few weeks, make an appointment to see your GP who can arrange for you to have physiotherapy.

If you get pain in the forearms or hands or any pins and needles or numbness in the arms or hands, please return to the Emergency department.

Ref: BTUH UK