How to Prevent Whiplash Injuries

Research shows that most whiplash injuries in occur from rear-end collisions. While we can't predict or avoid when we may be in a motor vehicle collision, there are precautions we can take. 

Airbags and Seat Belts: Airbags and seat belts are fortunately no longer “optional” and have become standard equipment in every vehicle. While airbags and seat belts can result in injuries during an accident, they will save your life. Front and side airbags protect thousands of lives every year. If your vehicle does have airbags, be sure to follow up on any recalls involving your airbag or vehicle. Of course, you should also always wear your seat belt.

Headrest Height: Position your headrest correctly. The perfect height is high enough that your head and neck don’t slide over the top in an accident or collision. An improperly placed headrest will increase the risk of injuring the neck’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, and discs. Be sure to position the headrest within 3 to 4 inches of the back of your head while driving. Reducing the spacing between your head and the headrest lowers the risk of suffering a brain injury in a rear-end collision. 

You can take steps to prevent whiplash injuries during a car accident.

Seat Back Position: Studies have shown that passengers have a higher risk of injury if fully upright. Alternatively, a seat back that leans too far back can act as a “ramp.” It can cause the torso to slide up the seat, allowing the head to slide over the headrest. Again, this increases the risk of injury. Having a seat too pitched too far forward also increases the risk of injury.

Body Size of Vehicle Occupants: The seriousness of your injuries comes down to physics. Studies repeatedly show the potential for harm in a car accident is related to the size of the occupants. The size of the occupants affects the position of the head and neck. The strength of the neck muscles also plays an important role. Studies report that head position during an accident (e.g., looking to one side vs. looking straight ahead) significantly affects injuries. Smaller muscle mass also increases the potential for neck injury in a rear-end collision.

What About Texting and Driving?

A survey of 6,000 drivers conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed 20% of those surveyed in the 18 to 20 age group and 30% of those 21-34 years of age claimed texting does not affect their driving.

Interestingly, 1 in 10 of the drivers in the study had been in a crash or “near-crash” in the prior year. Men were at a slightly higher risk than women. Young drivers, those 18-20 years old, had the highest incidence of crashes or near-crash experiences (23%) compared with all other age groups, while interestingly, drivers aged 65 years and older had the lowest (8%). The younger drivers reported almost double the number of crashes (17%) as drivers in their early 20s (9%) and up to four times more than the other age groups (4-6%).

Research Shows Dangers of Texting and Driving

Of the 718 drivers involved in a crash or near-crash in the previous year, 6% reported phone usage at the time (4% talking, 1% sending a text or email, and 1% reading a text or email). The young driver (18-20 years old) group reported the highest cell phone use (13%) at the time of the crash or near-crash (2% talking, 8% sending a text or email, 3% were reading a text or email). The highest incidence of talking on the phone at the time of crash/near-crash was in the age 25-34 group (10%). Not too long ago, we reported statistics comparing texting to drunk driving, and the data was sobering. Researchers from the Monash University Accident Research Centre in Australia found that texting severely impaired driving skills, as participants spent 400% more time with their eyes off the road!

Hands-free devices are NOT without risks either. We are distracted when talking, whether on the phone or with the person sitting beside us. Interestingly, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reported that voice-to-text offers no safety advantage over manual texting. At the same time, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said voice-activated in-car technologies “dangerously undermine driver attention.”

Whiplash Treatment

Your doctor will ask questions about the event and your symptoms. You also may be asked questions that help your doctor understand how severe your symptoms are and how often they occur. Your doctor will also want to know how well you can perform everyday tasks.

Examination

During the exam, your doctor will touch and move your head, neck, and arms. Your doctor will also:

• Check the range of motion (ROM) in your neck and shoulders
• Determine at what degree of motion causes pain or an increase in pain
• Tenderness in your neck, shoulders, or back
• Reflexes, strength, and sensation in your limbs

Imaging tests

Whiplash injuries aren't always apparent on imaging tests, but your doctor may order some to rule out other conditions. They can include:

• X-rays. Fractures, dislocations, or arthritis are seen with x-rays.
• Computerized tomography (CT). This type of X-ray produces a cross-sectional bone image showing possible bone damage.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging test uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D images. MRI scans can detect some soft tissue injuries, such as damage to the spinal cord, disks, or ligaments.

Treatment

The goals of whiplash treatment are to:

• Control pain
• Restore the normal range of motion in your neck
• Get you back to your normal activities

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s essential that you seek treatment from a qualified whiplash Doctor. Many offices offer free consultations to patients involved in auto accidents. If you've been in an accident and have been seen and released from an Emergency Room or Emergency Department, don't assume that you don't need additional treatment. Unfortunately, your treatment journey is probably just beginning. Whiplash injuries typically need rehabilitative care that often includes chiropractic, acupuncture, and laser therapy.