One of the lesser-known factors in car accident injuries is something surprisingly simple: the position of your head at the moment of impact. Small details like this can influence how the neck and supporting structures respond to sudden force.
Why A Turned Head Changes Things
When your head is facing straight ahead, it has a natural range of motion forward and backward. But when your head is turned to the side, that movement becomes more restricted. In a collision—especially a rear-end impact—this restriction can place additional strain on the ligaments and joints that stabilise the neck.
If the head is turned at the moment of impact, it cannot move as freely, and the neck may absorb force unevenly. This can increase the likelihood of soft tissue injury, even if the collision itself didn’t feel severe. Ligaments, in particular, can be affected in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. It’s also common for the muscles on one side of the neck to tighten more than the other, leading to stiffness that feels “one-sided” in the days that follow.
Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Many people walk away from accidents feeling “shaken but fine,” only to notice stiffness, headaches, or reduced mobility days later. These delayed symptoms can be confusing, especially when there was no immediate pain. Head position at impact is one reason injuries may not follow an obvious pattern.
If you notice difficulty turning your head, soreness at the base of the skull, increased headaches, or a feeling that your neck is “locked up”, those are worth paying attention to. Even mild symptoms can affect sleep, concentration, and posture, and they often worsen if left unaddressed.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and your head was turned at impact, we invite you to book a visit at Parkview Chiropractic Clinic. We’re here to help you understand what your body has been through and what support may be helpful.