From the Research
For neck strain from a motor vehicle accident (MVA), I recommend a comprehensive approach including rest, pain management, and gradual rehabilitation, prioritizing the most recent and highest quality evidence available 1. The management plan should start with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) for the first 2-3 days.
- Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heat therapy.
- Gentle neck stretches and range-of-motion exercises should begin after acute pain subsides, usually within 3-5 days.
- Physical therapy is beneficial for persistent symptoms, focusing on strengthening neck muscles and improving posture.
- Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine (5-10mg three times daily) may be prescribed for severe muscle spasms for a short duration (7-10 days) as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. Most neck strains from MVAs improve within 4-6 weeks with proper management.
- If symptoms worsen, include numbness or tingling in arms, or severe headaches develop, seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate more serious injuries. Early movement within pain limits promotes faster healing by improving blood flow and preventing muscle stiffness, as suggested by the epidemiology and treatment guidelines for neck pain 1. The impact of MVAs on neck pain and disability should also be considered, with studies indicating that individuals exposed to MVAs may have a higher risk of continuous neck pain and disability 4. However, the initial severity of neck strain is positively correlated with crash severity, and awareness of the impending collision may have a mitigating effect on injury severity, as noted in earlier research 5.