neck pain?

Question

yesterday at tumbling i fell on my head. When i woke up this morning my upper neck hurts on both sides and it feels like stiff. Im pretty sure its a normal thing seeing that i fell on my head.. But my question is what should i do to relieve the pain, and how long should the stiffness last?

Answer 1

The most common causes of neck pain are soft tissue abnormalities due to injury or prolonged wear and tear. If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately. Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.

If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:

continuous and persistent

severe

accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Neck pain usually disappears within a week. In the meantime if you think you don't need to see a doctor, these steps may help:

Sit in a neutral position looking straight ahead.

- Slowly tilt your head one inch to the right, and to the left

- Stretch your neck downward, moving your chin toward your chest. Hold for 10 seconds.

- Apply ice to the sore area for 10-15 minutes every few hours. This will decrease inflammation and cramping.

- Massage the area gently.

- Take anti-inflammatory medications.

These links should help you decide what you need to do. Take care of yourself.

Answer 2

Hot packs, but also try these self-help acupressure holds:

1. Grasp the "meaty" part of the back of the neck firmly between the palm of your hand and the "palms" of your fingers (in other words not pinching with the tips of your fingers). This is better done by a friend, but you can do it to yourself if you have to. Hold the grip for about 1 minute, then...

2. Grasp the "meaty" muscles on each side of the neck leading down to the shoulder. This is the trapezius muscles. Again hold the grip for a minute.

In each case, when you release, do it SLOWLY. Too rapid a release may cause the muscles to go back into spasm.

Answer 3

Please see a doctor immediately, you could have a broken neck and not know it or worse. Not seeking medical attention only increases the likelihood that you will have a bad outcome!

If you just bumped your head, it is still potentially serious. As a child I walked into my bedroom and when I entered the doorway my parents called my name and I turned my head so quickly I banged my head on the door post. I had a concussion.

If you are set on not going to a doctor, at least check this site:

Answer 4

hot pack for 10 min at a time if still sore 24 hours get a massage.

Answer 5

get a hotpack in the back of your neck

Answer 6

you probably strained the neck muscles and joints, alternate hot and cold packs and rest it for a few days

Answer 7

The pain will probaby last two-four days. I would take Motrin. It is the best pain reliever.

Answer 8

wow id still get it checked out by a doc , you could have done more damage then you think and the doctor can tell you the best thing to take

Answer 9

you fell on your head and didnt see a doctor. very dangerous. you could have bleeding under the skull and dont know it. even if it doesnt hurt that bad get it checked out.

Answer 10

hot packs