Information for patients after Road Traffic Crash Neck Injury.
Road accidents can cause a strain injury of the neck muscles. When the impact
occurs the forces transmitted to the head cause it to rock backwards and
forwards stressing the neck muscles. Pain is commonly felt in the back of the
neck; from the base of the skull down towards the shoulder blades and towards
the spine.
Pain may be present immediately or develop later, often overnight, giving
morning pain and stiffness.
Treatment
Rest - avoiding heavy work and lifting, (housework is heavy work, especially ironing and vacuuming)
Warmth - is comforting, e.g. baths, showers, hot water bottle, heat pad, warm clothes when out of doors
Time - neck sprains can take several weeks to settle
Exercise - mobility aids recovery; do the exercises on the neck exercise sheet regularly to prevent muscle spasm
Painkillers - regular use is recommended, especially at first
Talking - tell your partner or close friends how you really feel. Don't be afraid to feel upset, and say so.
Common symptoms after car crash neck injury
These can last several weeks or sometimes a few months after a neck sprain injury. Usually they are not serious, but can be troublesome. (The most commonly reported symptoms are listed first.)
- Headache and dizziness
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Impaired sleep
- Backache
- Anxiety about driving or traffic
- Cracking noises from the neck
- Tingling or "pins and needles" in one or both arms
- Irritability and loss of drive
- Tearfulness, easily upset, emotional
- Poor concentration, forgetfulness
- Flashbacks and upsetting memories
Othe Instructions:
| If you are at all concerned, please contact the Emergency Department you first attended: | Mercy
University Hospital |
SIVH |
Cork
University Hospital |
Mallow General Hospital (022) 21251 |
