Neck First Aid (after a mild-moderate accident)
So perhaps you had a fall or crash or sustained some sort of impact to your neck which caused immediate or delayed neck pain. Firstly, I need you to pause the video and make sure you aren’t experiencing any of the ‘red flags’ below:
** RED FLAGS **
If you are experiencing any of the following please consult a doctor asap or go to the emergency department of your hospital.
- Losing control of your bowel or bladder
- Feeling dizzy or losing balance
- Feeling weak or numb anywhere in your body
- Persistent pins + needles
- Feeling nauseous or vertigo
- Feeling faint
- Have double vision
- Having problems with your speech or swallowing
- Have a fever or night sweats
For more information about ‘red flags’ watch this video (click here).
You should find a position of comfort whether that be lying on your back or side, or sitting and try positioning pillows or rolling up a towel to support the neck.
You should apply an ice pack, for up to 20 mins every two hours. Just be sure to put something between the ice pack and your skin, such as a towel or ice pack holder and make sure you check every few minutes for any skin irritation.
Avoid massaging or putting heat on the area and avoid drinking alcohol as all of these may increase any inflammation that may be present.
If your neck is painful when, for example, turning to the right, don’t force it into this direction, but do try and keep it moving in a comfortable range. Try to avoid a slouching posture as that can increase strain at your neck.
One of the most important things is that you try not get to stressed or anxious about your pain. Just try to stay calm and know that pains like this are common and can be treated.
I recommend that you try and see a physiotherapist in the next 48hours, so that they can assess you and work out what’s most likely causing your pain and guide you through rehabilitation.