Whiplash

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Wear your cervical collar until the doctor says you can do without it.
• Your doctor will tell you how active you can be. If your neck hurts a great deal, you may have to take it very easy until the pain lessens, or even rest in bed.
• Apply ice or heat (whichever feels better) to the sore muscles for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. You can put ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin. For heat, you may use a warm heating pad, whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels.
• Gentle massage may help your neck.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain. Take them exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Sleeping without a pillow may help relieve the pain. You may also sleep with a cervical pillow (a special pillow you can buy at a medical supply store). You can also try tightly rolling up a small towel (so that the roll is 2 inches thick) and placing it under your neck.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your neck pain is getting worse.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness of your arms, face, or scalp.
• You have shortness of breath, a hoarse voice, or problems swallowing.
• Your headaches get worse or you have problems seeing.