Neck and Whiplash, Phase 4 · Exercise 3 of 5 NK-4 #3

Eye-Neck Coordination

Clinical content from the Auto Injury Chiropractic home rehab program. Final clinical reviewer: Dr. Seth Hill, DC. How we review content

Improve eye and head control

These exercises are for education. After a car accident or injury, get checked by a provider before you start. They do not replace an exam.

Dose2 times a day, 30 seconds each direction

You needA chair, a wall with a small target

Demonstration video: Eye-head coordination exercises - MAIC whiplash injury recovery (Motor Accident Insurance Commission (Queensland Government)). Follow the steps on this page if the video differs.

Photos

Eye and Neck Coordination: Setup: sit about 3 feet from a wall, target at eye level — Setup: sit about 3 feet from a wall, target at eye level

Why it helps

Your eyes and neck work together. After a crash, this connection often breaks down, which makes you feel dizzy or "off" when scanning the road or a busy room. This drill works on that connection.

How to do it

Sit in a chair about 3 feet from a wall. Place a target (sticker or sticky note) at eye level.
Gaze stability: keep eyes locked on the target. Slowly turn your head left and right while keeping eyes on the target. 30 seconds.
Up and down: same idea. Keep eyes on target while nodding head up and down slowly. 30 seconds.
Smooth pursuit: hold your head still and follow a moving object (your finger) with just your eyes, going side to side. 30 seconds.
Stop if dizzy. Build up over the phase.

Too hard? Try this

Start with 10 seconds each direction and build up. Or do it with the target closer.

Too easy? Try this

Stand instead of sit. Or speed up the head turns slightly.

Common mistakes

Your eyes drift off the target.
You move too fast and get dizzy.
You move your shoulders along with your head.

You should feel

Smooth, controlled motion.
Eyes stay on target.

You should not feel

Dizzy or nauseous.
Sharp neck pain.

Stop right away if

Dizzy that does not go away after stopping.
Loss of balance.
Vision changes.

If you are one of our current patients, call the clinic and inform your provider right away, or seek emergency care right away. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Research behind this program