Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a strain or sprain in your neck. This is also known as a cervical strain or sprain, or "whiplash." It is a neck injury that happens when the head suddenly gets jerked forward and then backward, like from a car accident or sports injury.
You probably have neck pain and muscle tightness. You might have pain with moving or turning your neck.
You might have injured a ligament, muscle, or nerve in your neck. But the doctor thinks your injury can be managed at home. The neck pain often gets worse for 1 to 2 days before it starts to improve.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●If the doctor gave you a neck brace or cushion, wear it as instructed. Follow all instructions for wearing it until your doctor says you don't need it anymore.
●For the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your neck every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.
●After the first 24 to 48 hours, heat can help with pain. Put a heating pad on your neck for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on since this can cause burns. You can also take a hot shower or bath.
●Do neck stretches and exercises as instructed by the doctor. You might have to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert).
●Try to practice good posture:
•Avoid using shoulder straps to carry bags.
•Avoid sitting for too many hours at a time. When you do sit, sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. It might help to adjust your position often.
•Keep your head and neck in line with your body when you sleep. You might have less pain if you sleep on your back with pillows under your thighs. Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have trouble breathing
•Are too weak to stand, or cannot move 1 or both of your arms or legs
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have new weakness in 1 or both of your arms or legs
•Have new numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in 1 or both of your arms or legs
•Feel dizzy or unsteady, or have double vision
•Have nausea or vomiting that does not go away
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your symptoms are so severe you cannot do normal activities (such as dress or eat).
●Your symptoms are not improving after a week of home treatment.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Whiplash (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for children (The Basics)
