Auto Accidents & Their Impact on the Neck

The 7 vertebrae of the neck normally combine to form a 35-45 degree curve called the cervical lordosis. Biomechanical studies have shown that during a rear-end collision the torso is forced back into the seat and at the same time moves upward causing the lower cervical vertebrae to move into hyperextension while the upper cervical vertebrae flex forward. It is believed that it is during this time that injury occurs in the neck as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are being strained to hold the vertebrae against opposing forces.