Neck pain from car accident: now what?
Having been rear-ended several times, my experience is that the pain almost always comes the next day. I’ve usually been able to combat it with ibuprofen and a heating pad, though my neck has usually been stiff for a day or two afterwards. If it felt…unnaturally painful (if you get my drift – more than simple muscle stiffness), I’d probably head to my GP or local walk-in clinic. I’ve only ever seen orthopedists for joint injuries and fractures, so I’m not sure if this sort pain is in their area, but that might be another venue for you.
My whiplash showed up two weeks later while lifting weights, and I was told by my GP (who is a DO, not an MD) that whiplash often shows up later. He kept my neck straight with adjustments, and I had to use a heating pad almost constantly to keep from crying like a bitch. Def. go to your GP or, if you don’t have a regular GP, go to a GP that is a DO in your plan.
