Do you have whiplash? or acute neck pain?
Below you can find some information and top tips to try help with your issue.
Keep your head up at all times. If you allow the head to droop or sit forward, especially when reading or working at a desk, further strain can be placed on already overstretched, or injured, tissues
Avoid quick movements, especially turning the head quickly. This can cause high levels of discomfort.
Avoid prolonged positions, in particular sitting at a desk or driving. These postural positions can aggravate your problems if sat for prolonged periods of time. Remember to allow some time for healing to take place. This can be weeks and in severe cases months.
Do not sleep with more pillows than necessary. If you are comfortable with one pillow, then use only one.
If you remain uncomfortable at night, you may benefit from neck support (supportive roll, rolled up towel or pillows that mould to the neck curve). Do not sleep face down, as this places great strains on the neck.
Start with the specific neck exercises shown by your physiotherapist. Listen to their advice and DO NOT over-do the exercises.
Remember, an initial pain increase MAY occur when commencing any of the given exercises or after treatment has taken place with your physiotherapist.
Postural correction and maintenance of the correct posture should always follow the exercises. Once you no longer have neck pain, good postural habits are essential to prevent the recurrence of neck problems.
Heat on your neck (hot packs or wheat bags) are useful at this stage to ease any muscle spasm, along with anti-inflammatory tablets to ease any discomfort.