It is estimated that whiplash treatment alone, from auto accidents, costs in the United States alone $29,000,000,000 yearly. That’s twenty-nine billion dollars. Whiplash is often the result of a rear-end collision. Whiplash is incredibly painful and takes a very long time to heal. Many with whiplash injuries will still have flare-ups of pain many years following the actual accident.
What you can do proactively
Adjust your head restraint. Studies have shown that only 10% of drivers properly adjust their seat head restraint, if at all. Whiplash occurs when a rear impact happens. The force of the crash causes your body and torso to move forward while the head moves backward, then bouncing off of the head restraint and lunging forward again. This takes the weight of your head and multiplies it by the force of the impact during the crash stretching and pulling ligaments and tendons in your neck with no warning.
How to position your headrest
The goal here is to limit the range of movement possible was a crash to occur. Limited ability to move in a backward motion limits your chance of whiplash injury.
The back of your head should be level with the center of the restraint pad. When seated the driver’s seat you should have a maximum of only 2.5” from the back of your head to the headrest on the seat back. Even closer is better.
Though we have no control when it comes to other peoples driving and accidents do happen, being prepared is your best defense against this type of injury.
If you have already been involved in an accident, get medical help right away. The sooner you are able to see your chiropractor the better.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL, and Naples, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers and Naples, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.