Category: Neck Pain

How to Sleep With Whiplash: Best Positions & The “Towel Trick”

An educational infographic by CT Physical Therapy Care titled "Sleeping with a Whiplash Injury." The graphic illustrates the "Stagnant Pond" effect of inflammation at night and defines "Nose-to-Navel" alignment. It visually compares three sleeping positions: Back Sleeping (labeled "The Best Choice" with a cervical roll), Side Sleeping (labeled "Acceptable" with a pillow between knees), and Stomach Sleeping (marked with a red X as the "Danger Zone"). The bottom section illustrates the "Towel Trick" for creating DIY neck support, step-by-step diagrams for the "Log Roll" morning routine to avoid twisting, and a list of red flags like numbness and headaches.

“Is neck pain waking you up at 3:00 AM? Sleep is your body’s primary tool for healing whiplash, but poor positioning can turn it into a nightly battle. In this guide, we explain the ‘Nose-to-Navel’ rule for neutral alignment, reveal why stomach sleeping is dangerous for your recovery, and show you how to use the DIY ‘Towel Trick’ to get orthopedic support for free.”

5 Safe At-Home Exercises for Whiplash Recovery (And When to Stop)

Infographic illustrating 5 safe at-home exercises for whiplash recovery: Chin Tuck, Scapular Retraction, Pain-Free Neck Rotation, Upper Trapezius Release, and a single-arm 90-degree Doorway Pec Stretch. Includes a Traffic Light pain guide for safety.

Woke up with a “locked” neck? Stop guessing and start healing. Discover our therapist-approved “Unlock Your Neck” Protocol—5 safe movements to relieve stiffness at home immediately, plus the critical “Red Light” signs that mean you need to stop and see a doctor.

How Long Does Whiplash Take to Heal?

Infographic illustrating the three biological stages of whiplash healing over time, comparing passive "rest and wait" (marked with a red X) versus active physical therapy recovery (marked with a green check), and a visual pain-to-recovery scale.

Still hurting weeks after your car crash? Discover the realistic 6-12 week recovery timeline for whiplash, the 3 stages of healing, and why “waiting it out” puts your NY No-Fault coverage at risk.

Why Do My Hands Tingle After a Car Accident?

An infographic split into two panels. On the left, a transparent anatomical drawing of a human head and torso shows a glowing red pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine) with a blue nerve pathway radiating down the arm to a hand. On the right, a cartoon illustration of a man with a pained expression holds his hand, which has numerous sewing pins and needles sticking out of it, surrounded by small electrical current lines. Large text at the top reads, "WHY DO MY HANDS TINGLE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT? (It's Not Just Your Hand. It's Your Neck.)

You survived the crash and expected a stiff neck. But now, you’re feeling something stranger: “pins and needles” in your fingers. If you are dropping your keys or shaking out your hands, the problem likely isn’t in your hand at all—it’s in your neck. Learn why “Cervical Radiculopathy” is the most overlooked car accident injury and why New York’s 30-day insurance rule makes waiting dangerous.

Why You Have Shoulder or Upper Back Pain After a Car Accident

A woman experiencing shoulder and upper back pain in a physical therapy clinic setting.

Escaped the crash without broken bones, but now your shoulder hurts? Delayed upper back and shoulder pain is a common, hidden injury caused by the ‘Seatbelt Effect’ and bracing for impact. Learn why the pain waited to show up, how to sleep comfortably tonight, and the critical steps you must take to prevent long-term damage.

Headaches After a Car Accident: When It’s a Sign of Whiplash

Woman experiencing whiplash headache after car accident, receiving physical therapy for neck pain recovery.

A persistent headache after a car accident is one of the most common—and often delayed—signs of whiplash, even if you didn’t hit your head. This neck injury can lead to chronic pain if ignored. Learn the signs to look for and discover why physical therapy is the most effective way to treat the source of the pain, rather than just masking the symptoms.

How To Treat a Stiff Neck After a Whiplash in a Car Accident

Woman trying to manage neck pain at home after car accident

Car accidents are exhausting, and the pain that comes after is no joke. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with that dreaded stiff, achy, can’t-turn-your-head feeling. That, my friend, is likely whiplash. It happens when your head suddenly snaps forward and then back, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck. The good… Read more »

Whiplash Recovery Guide: How to Manage Neck Pain After a Car Accident 

Man grabbing at his neck in pain from an injury sustained after experiencing whiplash in a car accident.

“The crash happened in a split second, but the real neck pain often waits until the next morning. If you are waking up with stiffness or headaches after an accident, don’t guess your way through recovery. From the ‘Ice vs. Heat’ rule to the best sleeping positions, here is your step-by-step guide to managing whiplash and feeling better fast.”