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. Whiplash 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.
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.Â
Whiplash injuries are frequent causes for the development of neck complications and symptoms in individual’s who’ve been involved in an automobile accident. The neck pain and other symptoms associated with the condition can often impair an individual’s lifestyle. Although auto accidents are unexpected, simple precautions can be taken to prevent serious whiplash injury such as the proper use of a head rest. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez