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Cervical Muscle Strain Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A muscle strain happens when the muscle is stretched too much. A muscle strain is also called a pulled muscle. In some cases, your muscle may bleed and you may see bruising on the skin. When you strain the muscles in your neck, the injury is called a cervical muscle strain. ‚  
Whiplash often happens with car crashes. Your neck muscles are stretched causing a strain. There are also strong bands of tissue that hold the bones of your spine together called ligaments. If your ligaments are stretched, you have a sprain. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
  • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Using a neck brace called an immobilizer to keep the neck from moving
  • Massage
  • Exercises
  • Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy or a chiropractor to help you heal faster. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Relax muscles

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
  • Have headrests in the car at the right height. The middle of the headrest should be even with the upper parts of your ears.
  • Use good posture. Do not slouch.
  • Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
  • Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
  • Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Pain or swelling gets worse
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00410 ‚  
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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