Neck strain and stretching
 

I strained my neck one week ago - a car parked too close to mine and I had to contort myself to enter in my car. As I was trying to not hit my head on the door frame my neck went into hyperflexion, and I felt a sharp pain on the right side of my upper neck, behind the ear. I assume I strained a muscle and/or ligament.

I am fortunate enough that my PCS issues did not come back at full strength but I am having neck pain since then, very little range of motion, and my head is more sensitive to movement (e.g., walking).

I read a bit online on how to treat the strain. I thought that keeping a rigid posture would help and was even considering buying a neck brace but then I found this resource:
https://www.rcem.ac.uk/docs/Local%20...s,%202011).pdf

It says that stretching / range of motion exercises are very helpful to heal neck strains, and not harmful at all. I was a little surprised by this and wanted to ask if anyone had an informed opinion or experience on whether this is true, and whether these exercises can be started as early as one week after the injury.

Also, does a neck injury make the brain more vulnerable? I had become much less sensitive before this but I am now wondering whether I should avoid any jarring (from walking, car ride, or train ride) for a while, in case instability in the neck could make the jarring dangerous for the brain.

Thank you very much.

"It says that stretching / range of motion exercises are very helpful to heal neck strains, and not harmful at all."

Stretching and strengthening a strained neck - in my experiences - can both help and/or hurt depending on the stretch and exercise. I saw lots of chiropractors, a PT, and did other work before I learned I had to listen to my body and neck.

It's not a black and white answer. It depends.

Being immobile can be very bad. I did that and my muscles atrophied and my neck got stiff and lost its range of motion. Being to aggressive with the activities can be bad too. I say listen to your body. Go slow. Symptoms can flare, so be aware. The neck affects the brain a lot and vis versa.

The challenge is listening to your body and doing what it needs. Find the sweet spot where you get enough movement with your neck but not too much.

Lastly, seek help if you need it from a professional.

Get a physiotherapist involved to improve your neck range of motion and strength. Not all physiotherapists are created equal, seek one that problem solves and doesn't treat you like an assembly line worker.