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Original poster

Should I go to a and e?

40 replies

LLCoolKay · 13/03/2019 09:10

I've just been washing my hair and had a really bad pain in my neck. I can't move my head properly. a and e?

OP posts:
Stormwhale · 13/03/2019 09:12

I highly doubt you were washing your hair in enough of an aggressive manner to cause a serious injury. Perhaps try the gp first as I really don't think this is an emergency. Or maybe call 111 to see what they think.

Cheeseandapple · 13/03/2019 09:12

I've had something that sounds like this a few times. Try alternating hot water bottle and ice pack each 60 seconds and call 111. It's not an emergency so I wouldn't be going to a and E for that. Hope it gets better! X

Parky04 · 13/03/2019 09:31

A&E for a sore neck! No wonder waiting times are never met! Have a hot bath and if no better in a few days see a GP.

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listsandbudgets · 13/03/2019 09:46

Sounds like crick in the neck - very painful but not A&E worthy. Try pain killers and hot water bottle for now.

however, only you know how bad it is so if you think its bad enough then go to A&E

it is frightening if you've not had it before as it comes on so suddenly.

Hope you feel better soon

FelicisWolf · 13/03/2019 10:23

I get this a couple of times a year, you've cricked your neck. It's horribly painful, but take some painkillers and put a hot water bottle/heat pack on it and it will go eventually. Sometimes by the evening, sometimes the next day, sometimes longer. Do not go to A&E!! There is nothing they will/can do apart from telling you the same

Heismyopendoor · 13/03/2019 10:25

I would rest up and ice/heat it. See how you are later today or tomorrow. If no better give the gp a call. I don’t think it’s an a and e job.

Original poster
LLCoolKay · 13/03/2019 15:23

I can only hold my head at a certain angle. Work will be fun tomorrow

OP posts:
Hollowvictory · 13/03/2019 15:25

Chiropractor

WhenZogateSuperworm · 13/03/2019 15:26

Unless you have had an accident and potentially done something serious (unlikely given you were washing you hair) then you can wait to see your GP or go to a minor injuries drop in centre.

Hollowvictory · 13/03/2019 15:26

You'll be better in 48 hours if you go to chiropractor this happens to lots of people. A and e will do nothing

reallybadidea · 13/03/2019 15:28

Hot water bottle
Painkillers
GP if these don't work.
Unless you've got additional symptoms that you haven't mentioned, like you're head partially hanging off or being paralysed from the neck down) then you don't need A&E at the moment.

Olinguito · 13/03/2019 15:33

It could be Wry Neck. I find Deep Heat cream is good - smells awful but really helps.

Tolleshunt · 13/03/2019 15:35

You'll sit for 5 hours in a&e only for them to do nothing about it. Painkillers and hot water bottle tonight, and if no major improvement by morning book to see a chiropractor or osteopath (but only if they are the cracking type, not one who only does cranial).

Karigan195 · 13/03/2019 15:37

No to a&e. Pain killers, heat and gentle massage

Sirzy · 13/03/2019 15:38

I’m with everyone else.

Have some ibuprofen and use a heat pack.

If it doesn’t clear in a few days then consider going to Your gp.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 13/03/2019 15:40

What do you think A and E will do?!
Just take some painkillers and stick and ice pack on it. Hopefully it’ll the pain will be gone in a day or two.

TheClaifeCrier · 13/03/2019 15:43

Definitely not A&E. A chiropractor will sort you out.

Knittedfairies · 13/03/2019 15:44

No to A&E.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

oopslateagain · 13/03/2019 15:48

It's probably just a muscle spasm and nothing serious, but if you have any numbness or tingling in your arms then you do need to ring 111.

HeritageCarrot · 13/03/2019 15:56

Ouch. If you can take ibuprofen then take it. Alternate it with paracetamol or co codamol if pain dire. Apply heat which is good for neck\back spasms. Very, very gently move your head every 30 mins and don’t keep it totally still. Would not recommend a chiropractor as any twisting or popping neck muscles not great while you’re in the acute phase imo.

For me it usually lasts about 3 or 4 days and then starts to settle. I do have a soft tissue disorder though so it might be quicker to resolve.

HeritageCarrot · 13/03/2019 15:57

Totally agree with oops with regard to numbness and/or tingling because it could be compressed nerve.

mangolover · 13/03/2019 15:59

Cramp?

mangolover · 13/03/2019 16:00

Anyway minor injuries/walk in centre/gp

Original poster
LLCoolKay · 13/03/2019 16:42

I gave birth with no pain relief and his is worse

OP posts:
mangolover · 13/03/2019 17:04

Call your GP then and tell them you need an emergency appointment. I'm assuming you're in the uk in which case they are responsible for seeing you until 6.30pm?
Not sure what you're trying to achieve asking for medical advice on an Internet forum but the general consensus is that nobody would be going to a&e.
You know because there will be people there who actually have life saving or life changing injuries and all that.