The First 48 - 72 Hours

On impact, soft tissues may be strained around the neck, shoulder girdles, lower back, and sometimes the mid-back.  Damage to these tissues results in inflammation and bleeding and therefore can cause an increase in pain during this time.

I've treated many patients that have left the site of an accident with no discomfort only to find themselves very stiff and sore the next day.  Others have pain immediately on impact depending on the severity of the injuries and which tissues are involved.

Probably the single most important thing you can do during this time to speed your recovery is the application of ice.  During this time it is important to control the bleeding and inflammation that is occurring within the muscles and around the joints. Icing 15-20 minutes at a time will have the following effects:

• Reduces the rate of metabolism of injured tissues, and therefore reduces their need for oxygen.  Supply of oxygen to injured tissues is compromised due to swelling, spasms, and bleeding.
• Cold reduces nerve conduction and therefore aids to block pain.
• Ice reduces the inflammatory response
• Cold promotes constriction of blood vessels which reduces bleeding and swelling
• Ice decreases muscle spasms and helps injured muscles relax

1. Place one pillow under you head and one under your knees when lying down.
2. Place a rolled towel along the bottom of the pillow inside the pillow case to give the neck added support.