17 Nov Have you experienced whiplash after a car accident and been told to use a soft neck collar to help ease your neck pain
Have you experienced whiplash after a car 
accident and been told to use a soft neck collar to help ease your neck 
pain
Did you buy yourself a soft neck collar 
because you felt that you just want some help holding your head up
Did you know that soft neck collars do more harm than good for neck pain after a whiplash injury
Research has shown that for whiplash related neck pain, exercise with a Physiotherapist and continuing with activities of daily living leads to faster recovery than using a soft neck collar. 
The use of a soft neck collar for longer than 10 days after a whiplash related neck pain, actually leads to decreased neck movements and increased neck pain and stiffness.
Here are 3 Top Tips to help you with your Whiplash related neck pain without using a soft collar:
1. Use Icepacks 
instead of Heatpacks. In a whiplash injury, the rapid forward and backward motion your head and neck that occurs, results in muscle strain and swelling in the neck and shoulder muscles. Using ice will help to reduce that swelling and also reduce your neck pain. Wrap an ice pack in a tea towel and use it for 10-15 mins every 2-3 hours initially for the first 2-3 days and then wean to using an ice pack 3 times a day for the next 3 weeks.
2. Start gentle neck exercises early to ensure a quick recovery from whiplash related neck pain. Lying on your back, gently tuck your chin into your throat and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Lying on your back, gently turn your head to one side so your chin is in line with your shoulder. Repeat 10 times on each side.
3. See an Expert Physiotherapist 
as soon as possible. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for 2 weeks hoping for your whiplash related neck pain to resolve, because it often ends up worse and more stiff. Seeing an Expert Physiotherapists means that they can correctly assess and treat your whiplash neck pain promptly using soft tissue massage, Radial Shockwave Therapy, taping and exercise.
If you are experiencing whiplash related neck pain, ring My Favourite Physio 
on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Expert Physiotherapists to find out how we can help you overcome your neck pain today!