A minor rear-ended collision of your vehicle can cause some serious whiplash trauma. The injuries and physical damage caused by this type of trauma can only be treated effectively by a specialist like Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC. Hence, after an auto accident, even if it were minor, it would be wise to seek chiropractic care. Here are certain factors that magnificently influence the seriousness of whiplash injuries.
The Size and Speed of the Vehicles
When the size and weight of both vehicles are similar, even a collision occurring at 8 mph could generate 2-G acceleration of the vehicle, and 5-G acceleration of the driver or passenger’s head. Hence, the lower speed and size of vehicle does not matter, and the injury could be quite serious.
Position of Headrest
Unfortunately, even when the headrest is at the correct height, it will not be close enough to catch the head before the injury can occur. If the headrest is low, if the seat is in a reclined position, or the person is maintaining a poor posture then these factors will increase the distance further and increase the seriousness of the whiplash injury. The position of the head is critical because when the G forces are concentrated on one side of the spine the severity of injury substantially increases.
Children and Women
Children and women sustain whiplash injuries that are more serious because they are shorter than men are, and the headrest might be further away from their necks when the accident occurs.
Age
Advanced age plays a major role because as the body becomes old, muscles lose their flexibility and become weaker, the ligaments lose their pliability, and there is general decrease in the range of motion. All these factors can increase the seriousness of whiplash injury dramatically.
Pre-existing Health Issues
A person suffering from a health issue like osteoporosis or arthritis will be much more at risk of suffering a serious whiplash injury.
The Best Approach
It is quite clear that nobody can fully eliminate the risk of whiplash injury when his or her vehicle is rear-ended or hit from the side. The above factors will only increase the severity of the injury. Therefore, the best approach would be to consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, after an accident, since this doctor is a specialist in detecting and effectively treating soft tissue and whiplash injuries, via treatment such as chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulations, and massages.
