Whiplash in Children: Care Instructions
Overview
Whiplash occurs when your child's head is suddenly forced forward and then snapped backward, as might happen in a car crash or sports injury. This can cause neck pain and stiffness. Your child's head, chest, shoulders, and arms also may hurt.
Most whiplash gets better with home care. Your doctor may advise you to give your child medicine to relieve pain or relax the muscles. Your doctor may suggest exercise and physiotherapy to increase flexibility and relieve pain. For a while, your child probably will need to avoid lifting and other activities that can strain the neck.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
- Try heat or ice, whichever feels better. Apply it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat or ice and your child's skin. You might also try switching between heat and ice.
- Help your child to not do anything that makes the pain worse. Have them take it easy for a couple of days. Your child can do usual activities if the activities don't hurt their neck or put it at risk for more stress or injury. Make sure that your child avoids lifting, sports, or other activities that might strain the neck.
- Have your child try sleeping on a special neck pillow. Place it under the neck, not under the head. Placing a tightly rolled-up towel under the neck while your child sleeps will also work. If your child uses a neck pillow or rolled towel, do not let them use another pillow at the same time.
- When your child's neck pain is gone, have them do exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck and back. Your doctor or physiotherapist can tell you which exercises are best.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child is unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse symptoms in the arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tinging.
- Weakness.
- Pain.
- Your child loses bladder or bowel control.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child is not getting better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter P304 in the search box to learn more about "Whiplash in Children: Care Instructions".
Current as of: July 31, 2024
