Pain relief for neck injury claimants

Neck injuries and whiplash can cause a lot of pain; however, some pain relief tips can go some way to making day-to-day life a little bit easier.

Although it is widely thought that wearing a neck collar can help to improve a neck injury, there is no evidence that it can actually heal the injury. If wearing a neck collar does provide some relief to the pain, it should not be worn for any longer than 48 hours.

Painkillers can be taken regularly to help reduce the pain; paracetamol and ibuprofen are widely available and can be taken together (always seek the advice of healthcare professional before taking any medication).

An ibuprofen gel can be rubbed into the neck which serves as an alternative to the tablet form – dosage instructions on the packet should always be consulted.

A hot water bottle or a heat pack can also help to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms if held to the neck.

Sleeping on too many pillows can cause an ache to become a lot worse, thus a low and firm pillow should be used instead of two pillows to avoid the neck bending unnaturally. Improving posture and learning how to sit properly can also prevent further neck problems.

Driving not only requires a lot of concentration which could be hindered by neck pain, but it also needs a lot of neck movement from the driver so they can observe traffic. It is best if a neck injury sufferer doesn't drive until any pain and stiffness has gone.

Getting a GP's opinion on relieving neck pain

If the neck pain doesn't improve over a few days and can't be controlled with the use of painkillers, a GP should be consulted about the problem.

A GP will examine the neck and ask questions to rule out any serious underlying condition. They may be able to prescribe stronger pain killers, which are unavailable to buy over the counter, if necessary.

If there continues to be no improvement with the injury, a GP can refer the sufferer to a physiotherapist, a specialist or even to a pain clinic for pain killing injections. There is no scientific evidence that chiropractic or acupuncture treatments are effective with neck injuries and neck pain.

Making a claim for a neck injury

Neck injuries such as whiplash can cause a lot of pain to those affected and can be very upsetting. Many people fall victim to neck injuries through no fault of their own.

The personal injury solicitors at YouClaim are among the best in the UK and have a wealth of experience in the making neck injury claims.

To find out more information about making a neck injury compensation claim, call one of our legal advisors on 0800 10 757 95, or request a call back at a time more convenient to you.