You have been treated for an Acute Neck Injury. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.
Early Stage
Rest
An initial period of complete rest in positions that cause minimal or no pain will allow the damaged structures to begin healing themselves. Lying down is better than sitting, as it relieves the weight of the head on the neck. You will need to experiment with different positions and rest in those that give you most pain relief.
1 or 2 pillows depending on their thickness. Feather pillows will mould better to the shape of your neck.
The head and neck should be in line with the rest of the spine. 1 pillow is preferable (unless you can only get relief with 2).
Try a rolled-up towel inside the pillow case for extra support. A pillow under the knees will take the strain off the lower back.
If you have pain spreading into the arm, a pillow under the shoulder blade and/or under the elbow may help relieve the pain. Pain, ‘pins and needles’ or numbness below the elbow suggests that you may have pressure on a nerve root as it emerges from the neck. It is important that you try to avoid any positions or activities that make symptoms move toward the hand.
Get into bed by sitting on the edge and lower yourself onto your side, supporting your head/neck with your hand. Get out of bed by reversing the procedure. Always get into and out of bed via side-lying.
Avoid:
- Sitting, as this tends to aggravate most neck problems (includes driving)
- Any movements, activities or postures that make your pain worse.
An increase in pain means that you are stressing the damaged structures and delaying the healing process.
Drinking may be easier with a straw at first.
An ice-pack applied around the neck for 10–15 minutes, every 3–4 hours, may relieve pain and muscle spasm. Wrap crushed ice cubes, or a packet of frozen peas, inside a wet towel, and place around the back and sides of the neck.
Do not use ice therapy if:
- You have a skin abnormality – poor circulation, or thin, shiny, flaky, dry skin
- Your skin sensation is numb or diminished
- You have sickle cell anaemia
- It makes your symptoms worse.
Drugs
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Remember that they may mask symptoms, so try not to provoke any pain.
Exercises
These should be carried out on the advice of your physiotherapist or doctor.
Later Stage
As symptoms start to decrease, gradually resume your normal activities. Be guided by your pain, and mix short periods of activity with rest initially.
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