Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you have been diagnosed with a neck injury. A neck sprain occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards, or is forcibly rotated.
This can cause some neck muscles and ligaments to stretch more than normal, causing a sprain. The pain and stiffness often become worse on the day after the accident. In about half of cases, the pain first develops the day after the accident.
Symptoms
As well as neck pain and stiffness, a sprain can cause the following:
- Tenderness in the neck muscles
- Reduced and painful neck movements
- Headaches
- Pain and stiffness that may progress to involve the upper and lower back
Treating a neck injury
Neck sprains can be treated with simple pain relief and exercises to regain the movement.
Avoid wearing a neck collar
There is no evidence to suggest it will help to heal your neck, and it’s generally better to keep your neck mobile.Avoid driving if you find it difficult to turn your head
This may prevent you being able to view traffic.Avoid sleeping on your front and make sure your head is in line with your body (not tilted to the side) if you sleep on your side.
Only use enough pillows (usually only one) to keep your head level with your body.
Active exercise for pain reduction should be started within 4 days of injury.
The following may help:
- Neck tilt:
Tilt your head down to rest your chin on your chest. Gently tense your neck muscles and hold for 5 seconds. Return to a neutral position and repeat 5 times. - Neck turn:
Turn your head towards one side, keeping your chin at the same height and moving within comfortable limits. Gently tense your neck muscles and hold for 5 seconds. Return your head to the centre and repeat on the opposite side. Repeat 5 times on each side.
Recovering from a neck injury
The pain and stiffness usually gets better after a few days, but may last for a few weeks.
Seek medical advice
Seek further medical advice if you develop other symptoms such as:
- Loss of feeling (numbness)
- Weakness
- Persistent pins and needles in part of an arm or hand.
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets. You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further Information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact: [email protected] This email will be monitored 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]