This article is one of a series covering posture & ergonomics — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Posture Correction & Ergonomics in New York City — The Complete Guide
We seldom think about posture in the neck until something hurts. And that’s especially true in these days of computers and mobile devices. We are more abusive than ever towards the cervical area of our spines (neck) and that can mean a greater risk in the event of a car crash. And now, we’ve got some data to support that hypothesis, due to a group of researchers who discovered that an abnormal curve in the neck is, indeed, important.
This post, “Neck posture before a car crash – is it important?”, will share with readers the truth about neck posture as a risk factor in collisions on the road.
Significantly Higher Risk
Of what, you might ask? It’s not the crash itself. It’s the severity of the injury you may sustain because of the collision.
Poor neck posture before a car crash increases your risk of whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders. It’s crucial to understand that 50% of those who’ve been in motor vehicle accidents suffer chronic physical symptoms, either long-term or permanently.
And the majority of that 50%? People with abnormal curvatures of the neck due to poor posture.
So, it’s no small matter to realize that your neck posture can lead to a life of pain, should you be injured in a car collision or other accident.
The Risk You Run
Research is proving that neck posture matters when it comes to the severity of injuries in the wake of a car accident. People with excessive or abnormal neck curvatures are more likely to sustain the following injuries, with long-term consequences:
- Long-term pain and stiffness in the neck
- Frequent headaches
- Vertigo
- Inability to concentrate
- Cervical spine degenerative arthritis
- Disc herniations
Does any of that sound like fun? No? Then if you have a posture problem, maybe it’s time to think about how you’re going to address it. There are many ways to improve the way you sit and stand and the team at Back & Body Medical has a plan tailor-made for you to achieve that.
We’re pain relief experts, working as a cohesive team which combines treatments from chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and sports medicine. This multi-disciplinarian model allows us to create programs of care that fit like a glove.
And your posture problem is history with our bio-mechanics expertise at your disposal. Strengthening areas of your body which may have become weakened and building up your core strength are part of the mix.
But you’re the magic ingredient. We work with you in partnership, joining you on the journey toward better health and reduced risk of painful injury.
We’ll Straighten You Out!
If you’re concerned about the high cost of poor neck posture, you’ve found an ally in Back & Body. Our team is here to support your commitment to protecting yourself against injury.
And when you’re in pain, we’ve got effective solutions. At our award-winning facility in the heart of Manhattan, we’re committed to helping you live your best life, with collaborative pain relief that works.
Contact us. We’ll straighten you out.

Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
