MVA-Neck Pain Care Instructions

mva neck strain care instructions you were seen by a doctor after a motor vehicle accident because of the accident, you may be sore for several days over the next few days, you may hurt more than you did just after the accident the doctor has checked you but symptoms can develop later if you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away you have strained muscles and ligaments in your neck a sudden, awkward movement can strain your neck this often occurs with falls or car accidents or during certain sports everyay activities like working on a computer or sleeping can also cause neck strain if they force you to hold your neck in an awkward position for a long period of time it is common for neck pain to get worse for a day or two after an injury, but it should start to feel better after that you may have more pain and stiffness for several days before it gets better this is expected it may take a few weeks or longer for it to heal completely good home treatment can help you get better faster and avoid future neck problems follow up is care is a key part of your treatment and safety be sure to make and go to all appointments , and call your doctor if you are having problems it is also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if… you have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks (i e numbness, weakness, pain ) you lose control of your bladder or bowel control you are not getting better as expected call 911 anytime you think you need emegency care or if you are unable to move an arm or leg at all how can you care for yourself at home? if you were given a neck brace/cervical collar to limit neck motions, wear it as instructed for as many days as your doctor tells you do not wear it longer than recommended it can make your neck stiff and weaken the muscles you can also try using heat or ice gently rub the area to relieve pain and help with blood flow do not massage the area if it hurts to do so do not do anything to make the pain worse take it easy for a couple of days you can do your usual activities if they do not cause pain to your neck or put you at risk for more stress or injury try sleeping on a special neck pillow place it under your neck, not under your head place a tightly rolled up towel under your neck while you sleep while also work if you use a neck pillow or rolled up towel, do not sleep on your regular pillow at the same time do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours or until your doctor says it is okay do neck muscle strengthening exercises start each exercise slowly ease off the exercise if you start to have pain neck strain or sprain rehab exercises sit in a firm chair, or stand up straight keep your chin level, turn your head to the right and hold for 15 to 30 seconds turn you head to the left and hold for 15 30 seconds repeat 2 to 4 times on each side look straight ahead and tip your right ear to your right shoulder do not let your left shoulder rise up hold for 15 to 30 seconds tilt your head to the left do not let your right shoulder rise up as you tip your head to the left hold for 15 to 30 seconds repeat 2 to 4 times each side sit in a firm chair or stand up straight bend your head forward hold for 15 to 30 seconds repeat 2 to 4 times