General Injury Advice

Common Symptoms

Pain in the neck, shoulders and/or upper chest stiff neck or difficulty turning head

Headaches

Do This:

Rest and use an ice pack wrapped with towel over swollen or painful areas. Particularly in the first few days after an injury.

Avoid ‘HARM’ (heat, alcohol, running/sport and massage).

Take pain relief when necessary, as per your doctor's recommendations. It will help but it will not completely take it away.

Use other pain management strategies (heat packs, creams or relaxed breathing)

Neck gentle stretching exercises.

Be mindful of good posture at all times.

Do NOT:

Fear movement, it is safe for you to move.

Think that worse pain means more damage.

Have prolonged bedrest. Change position at least every 30 minutes when awake.

Sleep on your stomach.

Returning To Work:

Use work as part of your recovery and gradually resume normal activities.

Talk to your employer about what you can do at work to help you keep active.

Talk to your doctor about what you think you can do at work.

When to seek medical attention urgently.

Poor control of your bladder and bowels

Fever

Numbness, pins and needles or weakness

Unrelenting night pain