So we decided for the first time this year to forgo the flu shot. I’ve done it in years past when I worked in hospitals and then with young children we always opted for it. My kids are 4 and 5 this year and out of the high risk age range, so we skipped it since we’re generally healthy and I was feeling optimistic.

Well, live and learn. We got the flu (and I say this diagnosis with confidence because the pediatrician did a nasal swab on my daughter to confirm that it was in fact the flu) not once, but twice. Yes, we got two different strains of the virus this year, and it hit hard. High fevers, stomach upset, and a cough that was unlike any I’ve ever experienced. And this is how my injury came to be.

From my frequent, violent, coughing fits, I managed to send my entire neck into painful spasm, to the point where I couldn’t even turn my head. It was so excruciating and every time I coughed I had to brace myself and support my neck in anticipation of the pain.

Now, I’m an advocate of early access to treatment, so after unsuccessfully trying to treat myself (and actually making myself worse by trying to stretch the joints and muscles of my neck and upper back), I went to see a chiropractor and then a massage therapist. My pain gradually decreased as my motion also improved. I have regained almost full motion, and only have pain when I cough (which has lasted over 2 weeks now) and at the extremes of motion. Had I not sought immediate treatment, I don’t believe I would be feeling as well as I am today.

I can’t stress enough the importance of early access to treatment for any type of musculoskeletal pain. It helps to restore function and prevent secondary effects from stiffness and immobilization. Although waiting it out to see what happens is sometimes OK, in many cases, you will speed your recovery time and healing process by seeking out professional care from a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, and/or massage therapist within the first three days.