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If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury, you already know it really can be a royal "pain in the neck." So what can you do to minimize the impact of a whiplash injury in the future? This article explores the steps you can take to completely avoid an injury, or to at least minimize the extent of your injuries.

Whiplash is a continually increasing problem. Insurance companies may tell you the sole reason for this is there is a "compensation culture." There are many factors that contribute to the large number of whiplash claims. Simply though, more cars on the road inevitably lead to more accidents which in turn lead to more whiplash injuries.

How can you reduce the pain you might suffer completely or partially? Here are some steps you can take immediately to help prevent suffering a severe whiplash injury.

1. Keep Your Distance. We all know we should keep several car lengths between us and the car in front of us depending upon our speed. But do we? Well you should if you want to save yourself from a potential collision followed by waking up with pain and stiffness in your neck and lower back for the next several months.

Whiplash can happen at speeds slower than five miles per hour. Keeping your distance gives you time if you must brake suddenly. Additionally, keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you means you have space to swerve into another lane if you notice the car behind you is not stopping.

2. Always Use Your Rear View Mirror. We all remember our driving test don't we? Mirror, signal, maneuver... Do you still do this, every time? When driving in stop and go traffic, be sure to pay attention to what is happening behind you as much as you are watching what is going on ahead of you. Checking your rear view mirror will alert you if someone is traveling too closely. A quick glance can save you from a major accident.

3. Adjust Your Headrest. Your headrest is one of your best defenses against whiplash. A properly set headrest will prevent whiplash in many cases. Too bad over 85% of the population doesn't set their headrest properly.

The top of the head restraint should be at least one inch higher than the top of your head. If the restraint is too low, your head could 'whip' over the top and it will worsen your injury. Remember to always keep your head as close to the restraint as possible. There should be no more than a one inch space between the back of your head and the headrest.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms after car collisions unaware they are carrying around hidden spinal traumas from whiplash. Untreated whiplash will cause severe health problems later in life.

Just think, if the accident created enough force to damage your car, can you imagine what kind of damage that very same force did to your body?


Drs. Brenda and Erik Slovin are board certified Chiropractic Physicians located at 205 Main Ave., Rainbow Plaza, Norwalk. They are contributing authors to the book, "Neck Pain, You Don't Want It, You Don't Need It." And they specialize in automobile injury cases. If you have questions about this article or about any other health topic, call them at: (203) 840-0000. Or find them online at http://norwalk.whiplashrelief.org/

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