acute neck sprain and whiplash injuries - Doncaster and Bassetlaw ...

ACUTE NECK SPRAIN AND WHIPLASH INJURIES
What is a whiplash neck sprain?
A whiplash neck sprain occurs when your head is suddenly forced
backwards and forwards on the body. This type of injury is common in
car accident collisions, but most of these injuries are not serious and
permanent damage is rare.
It is the neck muscles, ligaments, and small joints that can be affected
by being stretched more than normal. The body has a natural ability
to repair itself however it can be common to suffer from the following
symptoms:
• neck pain and stiffness
• dizziness
• head aches
• pins and needles/numbness
• back pain
• jaw pain
• shoulder and arm pain.
What is the outlook after a whiplash neck sprain?
The outlook in most cases is good, but the time taken for symptoms to
settle varies from person to person. In most cases, symptoms are much
better or gone within one to four weeks. Sometimes aches and pains can
persist or recur for quite a long time after a whiplash injury. Experiencing
good and bad days is a normal part of getting better.
What will help your symptoms?
Painkillers
It is helpful to take painkillers regularly such as Paracetamol or antiinflammatories,
until the pain eases. This will help you move your neck
and stay active. It may be necessary to seek advice from your GP or
pharmacist if you have difficulty controlling the pain.
PHYSIOTHERAPY

Heat and cold
The use of hot and cold applied locally to the neck can provide some
short term pain relief and help relax muscle spasm.
Cold application is most effective for the first few days after injury. Wrap
a bag of frozen peas in a damp teatowel and apply across the back of
your neck and shoulders for about 5-10 minutes and repeat 3-4 times
during the day.
Heat is usually most effective after the first three days. Using a hot water
bottle wrapped in a towel, or a wheat bag, apply for 15-20 minutes and
repeat as necessary throughout the day.
Posture
Poor posture can delay your recovery and it is important to avoid
slouching and sitting with your chin poking forward. Try to sit up straight
with a hollow in your lower back. Use a rolled-up towel placed at the level
of your waistband to help to maintain this position. Keep your shoulders
pulled back and relaxed.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Avoiding staying in one position for
long periods, eg sitting or driving.
Change your position regularly to help
you avoid adopting poor postures and
avoid prolonged periods of inactivity.
Sleeping
Try to sleep with your head in line
with the rest of your body; avoid over-
bending or twisting at the neck. You
may need to adjust the number of
pillows that you use to allow this. One
is usually adequate when lying on your back, but two may be better if
you sleep on your side.
A small rolled-up towel placed in the crook of your neck will help to fill
the gap between your neck and shoulders and support your neck. You
may also find it helpful in the initial days following your injury that, while
changing position in bed, you use your hands to support the weight of
your head.

Upon waking, gentle movements of the neck will help to relieve any
stiffness that may occur following sleeping.
Activity and rest
It is important to start moving your neck as early as possible as this will
help the healing process. The long-term outlook is good if you can get
your neck moving early.
Immediately after injury, you may require a short period of rest.
However, resting after the first three days can seriously delay recovery
and may lead to long-term pain. Develop a balance between periods of
rest and regular gentle exercise to prevent stiffness.
You may need to change what you do if certain activities aggravate your
pain. Do not avoid activities through fear of feeling pain - modify them!
People who try to continue with their daily activities, and do regular
gentle exercises despite the pain, cope better with a whiplash injury.
Exercise
It is important to get the movement back in your neck as soon as
possible. Gentle regular exercise will help keep your neck mobile and
help reduce the pain.
Gentle movements of the neck as shown - bending your head forwards,
bending your head upwards, side-to-side movements, and rotating your
look over each shoulder - should be done regularly throughout the day.
Ten repetitions of each exercise four to five times daily, will help improve
neck movement and reduce pain.
PHYSIOTHERAPY

WPR32700
June 2010
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Within the first three days exercises
should be performed within a
comfortable range. After this, you
should try to increase the movement
through a larger range.
Exercising an area of the body that is
injured can cause discomfort but it does
not mean that you are causing harm.
However, if an exercise aggravates
your symptoms considerably, or makes
you feel dizzy, stop and seek advice from your doctor or physiotherapist.
Contact details:
Physiotherapy Departments
Doncaster Royal Infirmary 01302 366666 ext: 3135/3585
Bassetlaw Hospital 01909 500990 ext: 2320
Montagu Hospital, Mexborough 01709 585171 ext: 5626
Retford Hospital 01777 863400