While most people who suffer from whiplash from a car accident will find relief within a few weeks of resting and perhaps a bit of physical therapy, up to 30% of car accident victims will develop longer lasting pain that interferes with their daily lives in drastic ways. Chronic whiplash from car accidents has been the subject of many recent studies as researchers try to determine factors that could put some people at increased risk of longer lasting whiplash symptoms.
A lot of people are interested in this research because knowledge is the only way to arm and protect yourself against harm. This is true of any facet of life, but unfortunately studies are showing that the factors that put certain people at greater risk of chronic whiplash from car accidents aren’t factors that can easily be controlled. It’s not as easy as eating whole grains and vegetables to protect yourself from obesity and heart attacks.
The factors that can predict an increased chance of chronic whiplash from car accidents have more to do with the facts of the accident than what you enjoy eating for breakfast or how many miles you can jog. Unfortunately, even the most physically fit amongst us can experience chronic whiplash from car accidents.
Rotated Head Position
This is the only factor that you have some control over. Studies have shown that when your head is rotated at the moment the impact of the accident is felt, you are more likely to suffer chronic whiplash from car accidents. There is no way to completely protect yourself from this factor as you never know when an accident is going to strike, but making it a habit to sit upright with your seatbelt on is a good start.
Many accidents today are caused by distracted drivers who are reaching for a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or lighting a cigarette. By limiting these distractions inside your own vehicle and staying focused straight ahead you can reduce your risk of developing chronic whiplash from car accidents. Sitting upright in your seat when you are a passenger can deliver some protection as well.
Gender
Just by being female you could be in greater danger of experiencing chronic levels of whiplash, probably because women don’t have as much lean muscle mass in the neck. Since most women don’t have as much muscle mass as men in other areas of the body as well, it could mean women are at greater risk for chronic injuries to other areas of the body as well.
Preexisting Conditions
If you already experience pain in the neck or shoulder region or have suffered other injuries to this area of the body, you have a much higher chance of experiencing ongoing pain after a car accident. This is because the force of the accident which causes whiplash can agitate the preexisting condition or previous damage which causes a more severe case of whiplash or even whiplash with complications.
Rear Impact
Studies have long shown that accidents with impact coming from the rear are more likely to result in chronic whiplash pain than accidents with front impact. This is due to the direction of the force on the body and the way the body jerks as a result of that force. Front force will push the body back into the car seat while rear impact causes the forward and backward jerking characteristic of causing whiplash.
Symptoms After the Accident
This is the area of research that every person who ever rides in a car needs to be aware of. Studies are showing that certain symptoms experienced after the car accident can predict an increased risk of chronic whiplash after car accidents. There is nothing you can do to prevent these symptoms from setting in, but by being aware of these factors you will know what to report to your doctor and can help with your recovery.
If you experience numbness, pain, and/or tingling immediately after your car accident, chances are you have suffered nerve damage that is likely to lead to long term chronic pain. It is important to be seen by a medical professional right away and to report all of your symptoms right after the car accident. Prompt care could reduce your risk of chronic whiplash from car accidents to some degree.
You should also pay special attention to tension in your muscles right after the car accident. Tense muscles have been strained and are signs that you may have sustained chronic whiplash that could lead to months if not years of pain if it is not properly treated.
Finally, if you have any reduced range of motion after the accident, you are at greater risk of chronic whiplash from car accidents. This could include being unable to move your neck from side to side or any other reduced range of motion throughout the body.
Analyzing Your Risk Post Accident
It is always important to see a medical professional after being in any car accident, but it is even more urgent if you find that you cannot move any part of your body in complete ranges of motion, feel numb or tingly, or have pain in any body region. These symptoms felt in the neck, shoulder and head region could be symptoms of chronic whiplash while in other areas of the body they could be symptoms of other serious injuries.
Now that you are aware of the risks that put your body in greater risk of chronic whiplash from car accidents, you know what to pay attention to if you find yourself in the aftermath of an accident:
- Pay attention to how your body feels; particularly pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle tension
- Note the direction of force (were you hit from the front, behind, or side?)
- Try to determine the position of your head when the force of the accident was felt
- Make sure to report any prior injuries or previous experiences of pain in the neck and shoulders when you arrive at the hospital or doctor’s office
Remember, if you feel physical symptoms of whiplash immediately after your accident you are at an increased risk for ongoing pain. It is important to seek medical attention immediately or demand it at the scene, even if the symptoms seem minor. They may not be so minor in a day or two if they go untreated!
This article is considered general information only; please consult a medical professional concerning your specific condition.
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