Whiplash is a common auto accident injury. Once is occurs, a patient could suffer from long-term issues, such as chronic headaches, neck pain, and visual or auditory disturbances. Recent evidence shows that the position of a person’s head at the time of the accident could increase or decrease the likelihood of a whiplash injury.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that is caused by a sudden change in the neck’s positioning. It is common in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. The symptoms of whiplash can vary, but some of the more common include:

• Tenderness in the neck and shoulders
• Neck pain
• Headaches or migraines

Severe whiplash injuries can result in damage to the ligaments, nerves, etc. Some people will feel pain immediately after the accident, while others may take a few days to notice their accident injury. 

How Position Affects Your Accident

Having your neck in a non-neutral position could increase the likelihood of a whiplash injury after an accident. In a study published in February 2015, researchers assessed how neck position plays a role in whiplash. They concluded that an incorporation of ligament laxity in the upper spine could determine the traumatic response. A few things researchers discovered was:

1. If your neck is out-of-position at the time of a rear-end impact, you have a higher risk for injury.
2. Increased risk is as high as 50 percent more based on position.
3. The location of your injury and the associated pain depends heavily on your overall posture at the time of the accident.

Can You Prevent Whiplash?

Correctly using your car’s headrest is a good place to start, but there are things that may be out of your control. For example, you may be looking to the left before making a right-hand turn at the same time someone rear ends you. Proper use of a headrest in this situation would not matter. But, having your car’s headrest angled and lifted to the proper height can help absorb some of the impact. A few tips for proper position include:

• Having the restrain two-inches from the back of your head.
• Ensuring the height of the restraint reaches the top of your head.
• Keeping your seat’s incline to less than a 20 percent incline.

Getting Assistance for Your Whiplash Injury

If you have a whiplash accident injury, do not wait to get treatment. By starting early, you can help alleviate pain and other symptoms and hopefully, recover faster. Houston Injury Solutions has chiropractors and other primary care specialists that can help with your whiplash injury. Through manipulation, muscle work and other treatments, our specialists are here to help you get back on your feet. Contact us today to find a specialist near you.