Whiplash (just plain whiplash, no 'Miss')

[elQuintoConyo]

I have whiplash from a minor car accident last Saturday (15th July). A&E doctor told me to wear a neckbrace for no longer than 3 days, so i'm not wearing it anymore.

I'm still in a lot of pain, although the pain has moved - radiated. It shoots down my back and up into my head

If you have any experience of whiplash, does this sound common? Should I go back to the doctor (obv Monday i'll book my GP, not a&e).

I have been crying today as i'm so sick of the pain and not being able to do normal things like play with Duracell Bunny ds, walk the dog - even just feed her, hurts to bend over and put her food on the floor.

I am miserable any words of wisdom or positivity most welcome. You can even drink my cos i'm on the horse tranqs.

I would use the support part time still.
Otherwise keep neck warm (wear a scarf).
aRe you using painkillers? Cut back activity?
It takes a few weeks to get better (at least)

I've had it twice badly from sports injuries. I would use support for a week. Which may result in immobility and stiffness (why they don't advise this) which i then get treated with a sports massage once the pain has died down.
I know this isn't standard advice but it's what worked for me.

Hi lljkm thanks.

I wore the support for about 2 hours this afternoon as it was horrible. I have anti-inflammatories every 12 hours, plus some extra painkillers i can take 8 hours apart if necessary.

Weirdly it is most painful around 2pm every day

I am in Spain and wearing the support has been killer! We came out of a+e at 10pm and it was 29°C. It is so minging hot. I take a scarf on the bus as sometimes the aircon is on really high.

DH has been doing the lions share of everything, and what he can't do we cancel (including a birthday party and various trips to the beach).

Road accidents suck balls!

Thanks museumum that sounds like a pretty good plan. I know a fantastic physio. I may just stick to 2 hours' support at the most uncomfortable parts of the day.

But weeks to fix... Argh!

It's a ligament injury & massage doesn't help ligaments.
However, massage may help the muscles that are taking up the slack because of the failed ligaments.
Support your head (with hands) every time you need to move it around, or get up & down.

Have you spoken to the insurance company about medical cover? I had a minor car accident in December and received private medical assessments followed by six months of private physio. It was definitely worth it and sped up my healing.