Your Edmonton chiropractor offers up the best ways to prevent whiplash from happening to you or a loved one.

Whiplash is a traumatic injury to the neck that occurs after a car accident. The most common car accident is a rear impact and this usually means that the person sitting in the back of the car is at the greatest risk for developing whiplash; however, whiplash can happen to anyone during a car collision.

Whiplash can manifest itself differently in people. It may cause a herniated disc or joint dysfunction. Some whiplash injuries can produce chronic pain or even affect a person’s concentration and other mental functions. Find out the best ways to prevent whiplash from happening to you.

The Most Effective Way to Prevent Whiplash

Actually, the best thing you can do to prevent whiplash from happening is to look for a car that offers a top-rated head restraint. Most cars boast other forms of protection (e.g. airbags) for side or front impact, but an adjustable and strong head restraint will be the best way to protect you and your family from whiplash in the event of a rear-end accident.

Adjust Your Head Restraint

Besides having a top-rated head restraint, you’ll also want to adjust it appropriately to offer the maximum protection. We highly recommend having someone else adjust your head restraint while you sit in the seat. However, if you want to adjust your head restraint yourself, here is the proper way to do it:

• Position your seat at an incline below a 20-degree angle. By only being minimally inclined while in the car, it will keep you in your seat should you experience a rear-impact.
• Another thing to look at is the top of the head restraint. It should be sitting either at or above the top of your head.
• You want to make sure that your head restraint is close enough to your head to actually prevent whiplash. Having a head restraint that’s too far away means that your neck has more of a chance of jerking around before being cushioned. A good rule of thumb is to have your head restraint about two inches behind your head.

Again, while being able to adjust your own head restraint is one great way to prevent whiplash injuries should you get into an accident, the number one way to protect against neck problems during collision is to purchase a car that offers optimal and highly rated head restraints.

However, should you experience neck pain or problems after a car accident, your chiropractor in Edmonton, CA offers a variety of services to reduce your symptoms and improve your condition. For those who can’t find relief from pain medications and neck braces, contact your Edmonton, chiropractor at Castledowns Chiropractic today.