Auto injuries result in chronic neck pain. Rear-end collisions are common. According to the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions yearly causing 1,700 deaths and 500,000 injuries. This doesn’t account for the numerous t-bone or side impacts or rollover accidents.
Many times the impact seems minimal with no post accident injuries. Symptoms might not show up for days, weeks, months or even years later. Studies show that it only takes a 3 MPH hit to cause whiplash. Also because there might 
A British study in The Bone and Joint Journal, Whiplash Injury, discusses the causes, outcomes and how to prevent whiplash injury. These injuries prove very costly to the UK. The majority of cases are from rear-end collisions of less than 14 MPH. Symptoms presented with include headaches, neck pain or stiffness, lower back pain and arm pain or paraesthesia. More than 66% fully recover but 2% are permanently disabled. It is noted that outcomes can be predicted after 3 months in 70% of cases. Treatment is important as early as possible because after 3 months the symptoms become more permanent.
A more recent Canadian study finds that 18% of patients still suffer with pain a year after their auto accident. A small 2% of the patients showed signs of fibromyalgia beyond one year. Chronic neck pain can be prevented by early intervention.
If you have suffered from an accident, read our other article: Whiplash or Auto Injury?
Remember, if you have been in a car accident, it is important to get evaluated by a chiropractor experienced in evaluating and treating auto accident injuries. Our chiropractor in Freehold, NJ has been helping patients for the last 18 years. We also use technology called Myovision, which helps analyze the spine for underlying injuries.