Whiplash Prevention

How to Minimise or Prevent Whiplash

Can You Prevent Whiplash?

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that results from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces on the neck. The term encompasses various issues affecting muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, discs, and nerves.

Whiplash incidence reporting is subject to numerous factors such as traffic congestion, psychosocial factors, and litigation. Whilst some of these factors may be out of your control, adjusting your headrest appropriately can significantly reduce your risk!

What is the Prevalence of Whiplash?

  • In an Australian study, the estimated prevalence is 3.8 drivers per every 1000 [1]
  • In the United States, there are up to 1 million cases per annum [2]
  • Approximately 250000 cases each year are reported in the United Kingdom [3]

Can You Prevent Whiplash?

The best way to prevent whiplash is to purchase a car with a good safety rated head restraint and fit it correctly. Studies have shown that 72-86% of head restraints are fitted incorrectly [4]. It is important to note that correct head restraint fitting does not mean one-size-fits-all. If you and your partner share your car’s driving, it is essential to note that the adjustments may vary significantly.

Understanding the Relationship Between Seat and Headrests

During a rear-ending motor vehicle collision, your car chassis is propelled forward faster than you are. The car seat will first impact your back. If your head and neck are not positioned correctly, your neck will likely sustain a whiplash injury. If your seat and headrest are adjusted well, your back and neck will move in unison and significantly reduce your likelihood of acquiring whiplash.

Is Your Headrest Adjusted Correctly?

Follow these steps to ensure your headrest is adjusted correctly

  1. Set the incline of your seat to approximately 20 degrees past vertical
  2. Position the headrest so the top of the restraint is level with the top of your head
  3. Ensure the headrest is no further than 5cm from the back of your head.

Whilst fitting your headrest appropriately is crucial to whiplash prevention, knowing more about the safety of your vehicle and driving to conditions further reduces your risk. Your physiotherapist can review your car’s specific ergonomics upon request.

More info

Neck Pain Causes

Welcome to the "Neck Pain Causes" page, where we comprehensively explore the factors contributing to neck pain. Neck pain results from a wide array of issues, including injuries to neck joints, muscle-related incidents, bone-related traumas, disc-related problems, nerve-related discomfort, vertigo symptoms, occupational triggers, headache and migraine factors, systemic diseases, and more.

Whether you seek information about muscle cramps, whiplash, osteoporosis, or posture improvement products, this page offers valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions, aiding your understanding and management of neck pain causes.

General Information

Neck Joint Injuries

Muscle-related Injuries

Bone-related Injuries

Disc-related Injuries

Nerve-related / Referred Pain

Vertigo-related

Occupational Causes

Headache/Migraine-related

Systemic Diseases

Neck & Posture Products & FAQs

Neck Pain FAQs

Your Comprehensive Guide

General Neck Pain FAQs

Concerned About Neck Pain - When Should You Be?

  • Learn the signs indicating when neck pain warrants a healthcare professionals visit.

Neck Pain Causes - What Are The Common Culprits?

  • Explore the most frequent causes of neck pain.

Preventing Neck Pain - How Can You Avoid Neck Pain in the First Place?

  • Discover strategies to prevent neck pain before it starts.

Text Neck - What Is It Exactly?

  • Understand how modern technology contributes to neck pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy - How Does It Feel?

  • Get insights into the symptoms and impact of cervical radiculopathy.

Age and Neck Pain - Is Neck Pain More Common as You Get Older?

  • Find out how aging affects neck pain.
Neck Pain
Neck Pain

FAQs on Neck Treatment

Your Road to Relief Relieving Neck Pain - What Can You Do?

  • Explore various methods to relieve neck pain.

Dealing with a Wry Neck - Can You Fix It?

  • Learn about treatments and remedies for a wry neck.

Banishing Neck and Arm Pain - How's It Possible?

  • Understand the connection between neck and arm pain and how to alleviate it.

Physiotherapy FAQs - What to Expect from Physiotherapy for Neck Pain?

  • Know what to expect from physiotherapy sessions for neck pain.

Medication FAQs - When is Medication Necessary for Neck Pain?

  • Learn about the role of medication in managing neck pain.

Surgery FAQs - When is Neck Surgery Considered as an Option?

  • Find out when surgery becomes a necessary option for neck pain.

Neck Exercises

Exercise FAQs - What Neck Exercises Can Help Alleviate Discomfort?

  • Discover exercises that can help in reducing neck discomfort.

Strengthening and Stabilising Your Neck - How It's Done

  • Learn techniques to strengthen and stabilise your neck.

Stretching FAQs - How Can Stretching Benefit Your Neck Health?

  • Understand the benefits of neck stretching exercises.

Neck, Vertigo & Dizziness FAQs

Can Your Neck Trigger Vertigo or Dizziness?

  • Explore the link between neck issues and vertigo or dizziness.

Headache FAQs

Solving Neck-Related Headaches

  • Find solutions for headaches caused by neck problems.

Bid Farewell to Neck Headaches - How to Do It

  • Learn strategies to overcome neck-related headaches.

Posture FAQs

Correcting Years of Poor Posture

  • Get tips on how to correct long-standing poor posture.

Improving Your Posture - What Steps to Take

  • Understand the steps necessary for improving your posture.

Posture Improvement Products & FAQs - Your Posture Allies

  • Discover products that can aid in improving your posture.

Lifestyle and Ergonomics FAQs

How Can Your Daily Habits Affect Neck Health?

  • Learn how everyday habits impact neck health.

Pillow FAQs

Finding the Perfect Pillow

  • Tips on how to find the ideal pillow for neck support.

Pillows: The Ultimate Guide

  • A comprehensive guide to choosing the right pillow.

Healthiest Sleeping Postures - What Are They?

  • Understand the best sleeping postures for neck health.

Choosing the Best Pillow - What Works for You?

  • Guidance on selecting the best pillow based on individual needs.

Identifying an Unsupportive Pillow - The Telltale Signs

  • Learn the signs of a pillow that doesn't provide adequate support.
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