3 Ways to Protect Yourself From a Whiplash in a Car Accident

What is Whiplash?

During a car accident when you strain your neck due to the sudden jerking of your head from impact, the injury to the soft tissues of your neck is called whiplash. The muscles and tendons of your neck get strained from the sudden extension and retraction movement.

Whiplash symptoms have a tendency to worsen with time and at first may also not appear immediately after the car accident. At times the injury may take days to even weeks before it presents itself.

A whiplash left untreated can lead to chronic pain and life-affecting complications. As soon as you meet with a car accident immediately schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. If you are in Miami visit an accident injury treatment center for a consultation.

Chiropractic care for whiplash involves your injury being diagnosed first which is then followed by a customized treatment plan that is designed as per your symptoms and needs.

Some symptoms that are common to almost all whiplash victims:

● Pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms

● Headaches

● Fatigue and dizziness

● Ringing in the ears

● Depression and anger

Let's explore 3 pieces of advice that you can follow to protect your neck and back from sustaining injuries such as whiplash during a car accident.

• Always Wear a Seatbelt

Do not drive your car without wearing your seatbelt. This also applies to passengers in the car. Wearing a seatbelt not only reduces your risk of sustaining a whiplash but also saves you from any serious injuries that you may suffer during a car crash. The purpose of wearing a seatbelt while inside a moving car or motor vehicle is to hold your body in place at the time of a car accident and save your body from any severe injury. A seat belt not worn correctly is as good as not wearing one. For it to be effective it needs to sit across the chest so that movement of the body is minimal during a car crash.

• Be an Alert and Safe Driver

While on the road it is prudent to drive safely and be alert at all times. Speeding is one of the biggest causes of whiplash. When you brake at high speed, the sudden jerk throws your head backwards and forwards rapidly which causes the muscles and tendons of your neck to become strained.

Always be fully alert while driving. Refrain from receiving phone calls or texting when behind the wheel. Whiplash is commonly caused when a vehicle is rear-ended. Keeping an eye out for vehicles approaching your car can save you from a crash from behind.

• Position the Headrest to Support Your Neck

As soon as you sit in a car, adjust the headrest of your seat. This very small action can save you from a severe whiplash. Applying brakes quickly and forcibly to stop your car can cause your neck to strain. A properly adjusted headrest will help support your neck when you brake suddenly and save you from the risk of a serious whiplash.

It's true that even after following all the above steps you may not be able to fully protect yourself and still sustain a whiplash after a car accident. However, if you follow the above 3 steps, your whiplash may not be too serious to cause any long-term effects to your body.

While it is understandable that accidents are rarely preventable, following the above measures can help you protect yourself from harsh and life-threatening injuries.