The North West Passage

Posts Tagged ‘health’

I had the flu during the holiday, like everyone else, it seems. I ended up doing nothing at all on New Year’s Eve, which annoyed me a little since I had gone out to do something social with friends only twice in the previous three months. But it also turns out that I had whiplash!

On the thursday before New Year’s, I had a meeting at the university to meet my new TA, and settle our Assignment Of Work forms. (The U of G is full of buereocracy, but that’s another LJ post, perhaps.) I had a mild itch in my neck all day, but paid no attention since it was not bothering me. Then at home that evening, I had a big sneeze. And suddenly a flash of pain went up my neck, electrifying the whole of my upper trapezius muscle on the right side. And ever since then, it has throbbed with my heartbeat, ane felt tightly strained, as if I had both pulled the muscle and also pinched a nerve, at the same time. I was unable to lift my right arm higher than my shoulder, and at the end of the day I had a massive headache just from the strain of holding my head up.

Last night, after more than two weeks of pain, where hot water bottles and ibuprophin muscle rubs and Tiger Balm offered only mild temporary relief, I decided enough was enough. I went to a doctor. It turns out I have whiplash! And a viral inflammation on the muscle as well.

So I was given some anti-inflammation medication, and within 6 hours the pain practically disappeared. So there is a happy ending to the story.

But, isn’t that strange? Who knew it was possible to give oneself whiplash by sneezing!

Yet another confirmation, I think, that the world will always be wierder than expected.