Whiplash is often viewed as an extreme injury, but it’s more common than you may think. When muscles or other soft tissue in the neck are rapidly hyperextended, it can tear the tendons and ligaments that connect muscles to bones — this is known as whiplash. It usually happens as an outcome of a rear impact while in a stationary position, such as in a car accident or on a boat ride.

Your neck is one of the most essential parts of the body. The reason your neck is so vital is because it serves as a nerve center for signals to travel from your brain to every muscle, limb and organ. Getting a whiplash injury can damage these structures in the cervical spine.

While whiplash is not typically a life-threatening injury, it could lead to more severe issues if left untreated. In some cases of whiplash, physical therapy and other pain management will be necessary to recover.

Though whiplash can occur instantaneously and, most of the time, unexpectedly, there are ways to avoid a dangerous situation. Rearrange your car seat and make sure the head rest is level, positioned between your ears and the top of your head at least 3 inches away. It is also highly recommended not to tailgate another vehicle. It is estimated that tailgating causes more than one-third of all crashes on the road. Additionally, stretching and exercising your neck might help in the event of an accident, as you’ll have stronger and more flexible muscles.

Recuperation from whiplash can be painful, but by educating yourself and preparing, you are more likely to avoid injury. Make sure to check out the accompanying resource for more information about dealing with whiplash.

Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction, a truck and auto auction company.