Whiplash injuries, commonly as a result of an automobile accident, are frequent causes for the development of neck complications and symptoms which lead many individuals to seek medical attention. Experts estimate that $29 billion are spent per year to treat the pain and other symptoms along with the impairment that can result from an auto collision. Although auto accidents are unexpected, simple precautions can be taken to prevent serious whiplash injury.
The fundamental element for protecting yourself from
whiplash injuries involves your head restraint. A wide variety of studies have
found that a majority of individuals have an improperly adjusted head
restraint, more commonly known as a head rest, and their incorrect use could be
the key to whiplash-associated disorders. A whiplash injury occurs when the
head jerks in a sudden back-and-forth motion in any one direction while the
torso moves in another direction. This abnormal movement can put hundreds of
pounds of force on the complex muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other
structures that surround the cervical spine, causing damage and/or injury.
Proper Head Restraint Placement
A good head restraint position can be obtained by
eliminating or reducing the amount of space from which the head can move. In
doing so, the strain which is placed on the neck can be greatly reduced. The
head restraint also needs to be positioned where the back of the head will be
leveled directly with the middle of the head rest while the seat will need to
be positioned where the head is placed very close to the head restraint. There
should be a maximum of 2.5 inches between the head and the restraint.
Properly adjusting the head restraint of your car can help
reduce the chance of neck injury during an automobile accident. If you’ve been
involved in a car collision, seek immediate medical attention to diagnose any
other possible injuries or developing conditions, such as whiplash, to begin
medical treatment as soon as possible. Chiropractic care can provide effective treatment
for many individuals with whiplash-type injuries through the use of spinal
adjustments to the cervical spine as well as manual manipulation to relieve
muscle pain and soreness. Additionally, a chiropractor may also recommend
following a specific routine of stretches and exercises to promote faster
healing for your whiplash symptoms.
Head Restraints & Whiplash Injury
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
