Neck Pain After a Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Neck pain

Yesterday afternoon, I slipped and hit the back of my head after coming out of the bathroom.
Since then, I've been feeling stiffness in my neck.
Now, it's the next morning, and upon waking up, I feel even more stiffness in the muscles at the front of my neck.
Currently, I do not have symptoms like dizziness or vomiting, but this neck pain feels unusual.
However, I am in quarantine right now.
Should I leave the quarantine hotel to see a doctor?

Ali, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/29

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Ali,
Since you are in isolation, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms for 2-3 days to see if they worsen before considering medical attention.
Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical spine disorders, as the likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage is low.
You mentioned external factors such as slipping, hitting your head against a hard object, or excessive force during neck rotation, which could lead to cervical instability, dislocation, and cervical disc herniation.
Inflammation of the cervical joints may cause neck pain and stiffness, potentially compressing nearby nerve roots, leading to pain that can extend to the back of the head, shoulders, arms, and hands, causing discomfort.
1.
Change positions: Change your position every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Maintaining any position (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to tissue fatigue and inflammation, so moving around briefly can reduce the chance of muscle inflammation.
2.
Rest: Rest is important to allow the muscles to utilize their self-repair capabilities; vigorous exercise should be avoided during this time.
3.
After 48 hours, apply heat to the neck: Use a warm compress for 15 to 20 minutes, being careful with the temperature to avoid burns.
4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If you do not have a history of gastric ulcers, allergies to NSAIDs, or impaired kidney function, you may consider using NSAIDs to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain as needed.
5.
Neck muscle stretching exercises: After the acute pain phase, it is advisable to develop a habit of performing slow and gentle neck stretches every 15-20 minutes, ensuring that the angles do not cause discomfort.
Generally, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or significant local hematoma, head injuries are mostly minor.
However, if any of the following occur, consider the possibility of delayed bleeding and seek emergency care:
(1) Deterioration of vision, seeing double (diplopia), or unequal pupil size.
(2) Clear fluid or blood leaking from the ears or nose.
(3) Confusion or abnormal behavior.
(4) Numbness or inability to move limbs.
(5) Involuntary movements or seizures.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any related questions, feel free to discuss further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/05/29

More Info

Experiencing neck pain after a fall, especially when it involves a direct impact to the head, can be concerning. In your case, you mentioned that you slipped and hit the back of your head, which has led to stiffness in your neck. While you currently do not have symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting, the unusual neck pain warrants careful consideration regarding whether to seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Persistent or Worsening Symptoms: If your neck pain continues to worsen or if you develop new symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, or any neurological symptoms (like weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs), it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

2. Signs of Serious Injury: Look for signs that may indicate a more serious injury, such as:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly.

- Difficulty with balance or coordination.

- Changes in vision or hearing.

- Severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medications.

3. Duration of Symptoms: If your neck stiffness persists beyond a few days without improvement, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. Chronic neck pain can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as muscle strain, ligament injury, or even cervical spine problems.

Recommendations for Your Situation
Given that you are currently in quarantine, you may want to consider the following steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms over the next few days. If you notice any worsening or new symptoms, it would be advisable to seek medical care, even if it means leaving your quarantine location.

- Rest and Ice: Initially, applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation. Resting your neck and avoiding activities that may exacerbate the pain is also important.

- Gentle Stretching: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle neck stretches can help alleviate stiffness. However, avoid any movements that cause pain.

- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation, provided you have no contraindications to their use.

Conclusion
In summary, while it may be tempting to wait and see if your symptoms improve, it is essential to remain vigilant. If your neck pain persists or worsens, or if you develop any concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. It is better to err on the side of caution, especially after a head injury. If you feel that your symptoms are significant enough to warrant concern, consider contacting a healthcare provider for advice on the best course of action, even if it means leaving your isolation. Your health and safety should always come first.

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