MVA- Whiplash Care Instructions

mva whiplash care instructions your care instructions whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly forced forward and then snapped backward, as might happen in a car accident or sports injury this can cause pain and stiffness in your neck your head, chest, shoulders, and arms can also hurt most whiplashes get better with home care your doctor may advise you to take medicine to relieve pain or relax your muscles he or she may suggest exercise and physical therapy to increase flexibility and relieve pain you can try wearing a neck (cervical) collar to support your neck for a while you probably will need to avoid lifting and other activities that can strain the neck follow up 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 have any problems it is also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicine you take how can you care for yourself at home? you can try using a soft foam collar to support your neck for short periods of time you can buy one at most drugstores do not wear the collar more than 2 or 3 days unless your doctor tells you to you can try using heat and ice to see if it helps do not do anything that makes the pain worse take it easy for a couple of days you can do your usual activities if they do not hurt your neck or put it at risk for more stress or injury avoid lifting, sports, or other activities that might strain your neck try sleeping on a special neck pillow place it under your neck, not under your head placing a tightly rolled up towel under your neck while you sleep will also work if you use a neck pillow or a rolled towel, do not use your regular pillow at the same time once your neck pain is gone, do exercises to stretch your neck and back and make them stronger your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which exercises are best when should you call for help? call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care for example, call if” you are unable to move an arm or a leg at all call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if you have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks symptoms including (numbness, tingling, weakness, pain) you lose bladder or bowel control watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are not getting better as expected