Most people rarely think about the position of their vehicle’s head rest until they have been involved in a motor vehicle collision (MVC). However, proper head restraint positioning is an important part of protecting the neck during a rear-end impact. A poorly positioned restraint may allow greater movement of the head and neck during a collision, potentially increasing the forces placed on cervical structures.

Key Insight:

A properly positioned head rest can help limit excessive backward movement of the head during a rear-end collision. Positioning the restraint close to the back of the head and high enough to support it can reduce the amount of head and neck motion that occurs during impact.

During a rear-end collision, the vehicle and seat are suddenly pushed forward. The torso moves forward with the seat while the head may initially lag behind because of inertia. This difference in movement can create rapid loading of the cervical spine and contribute to a whiplash-associated injury.

The head restraint is designed to reduce this relative movement between the head and torso. For better protection, the top of the restraint should generally be at least as high as the top of the ears and preferably near the top of the head. The restraint should also be positioned as close to the back of the head as practical. A restraint that is too low or too far behind the head may allow greater head movement before making contact.

Seat position matters as well. Excessively reclining the seat can increase the distance between the head and restraint. Sitting upright with the back and shoulders supported by the seat can help place the head closer to the restraint and allow the vehicle’s safety systems to function as intended.

Even with a properly adjusted head rest, injuries can still occur. Collision speed, direction of impact, vehicle characteristics, seat design, occupant position, previous injuries, and individual anatomy can all influence how the body responds to a crash.

After an MVC, symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder or upper-back discomfort, reduced range of motion, muscle tenderness, or neurological symptoms. Some symptoms may not become noticeable immediately after the collision.

A chiropractic examination after an MVC can evaluate cervical range of motion, joint function, muscle tenderness, strength, sensation, reflexes, and other orthopedic or neurological findings when appropriate. The examination can help determine whether conservative care is appropriate or whether diagnostic imaging or referral to another healthcare provider is indicated.

When appropriate, chiropractic care may include chiropractic adjustments or joint mobilization or manipulation, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue therapy, mobility work, and recommendations for gradually returning to normal activities. Treatment should be individualized according to the patient’s examination findings, symptoms, medical history, and stage of recovery.

Taking a few minutes to properly adjust your head restraint before driving is a simple safety measure that may help reduce neck movement during certain collisions. If you have recently been involved in an MVC, an appropriate examination can help identify injuries and determine the next steps in your recovery even if your symptoms initially seem minor.

Interested in having your neck and spine evaluated after a motor vehicle collision? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive examination and discuss your personalized treatment plan.

Contact Us:
Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Head Restraints and Seats.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Head Restraints.

• Viano DC. Role of the Seat in Rear Crash Safety. SAE International.

• Stemper BD, Yoganandan N, Pintar FA. Effect of Head Restraint Backset on Head-Neck Kinematics in Whiplash. Accident Analysis & Prevention.