Auto Accidents

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, putting the cervical spine (neck) through rapid and forceful movements. It is commonly associated with car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, but can also result from sports injuries, physical abuse, or other traumatic events.

The name "whiplash" describes the whip-like motion of the head and neck during the impact. The sudden acceleration and deceleration forces can cause injury to the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately apparent and can develop hours to days after the injury.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

Neck pain and stiffness: Pain and discomfort in the neck are typical symptoms of whiplash.

Headaches: Many individuals with whiplash experience headaches, often starting at the base of the skull.

Shoulder and upper back pain: Pain and tenderness may extend beyond the neck into the shoulders and upper back.

Fatigue: Some people may feel unusually tired or fatigued.

Dizziness or difficulty concentrating: Whiplash can also affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration and memory.

Radiating pain: Pain may radiate into the arms and upper back.

Treatment for whiplash typically involves rest, pain management, and chiropractic to restore range of motion and strengthen the neck muscles. 

If left untreated, auto accident injuries can lead to long-term complications. For example, untreated whiplash can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other issues that can impact your quality of life. Seeing a chiropractor after an auto accident can help you avoid these long-term complications by addressing the underlying injuries and promoting healing.

1 – You May Have an Injury and Not Know It

Most individuals mistakenly believe that they will be in pain if they have an injury. This is not always true. Damage to the body, muscles, joints, and spine typically hurts, but there are no guarantees. Some damage is just minor enough that there is no pain. However, a smaller injury or just time can lead to aggravation and then pain. Why not prevent this from happening? You can with chiropractic care.

After a car accident, we will meet with you. We will gather your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, take xrays and ask questions about your accident. We will discuss your problems and decide on a course of treatment. This treatment can include adjustments, decompression, exercises, shockwave therapy or therapeutic massages to relieve pain and return you to your pre accident condition.

2 – It Is Less Invasive

With chiropractic care, surgery is a last resort. Even then, you are referred to a specialty surgeon. No surgical tools or invasive medical procedures are needed for treatment. Chiropractors rely on manual therapy, which is therapy of the hands. As previously stated, a joint adjustment may be necessarily to properly realign a joint. This is done with precision force of the hands. There is no cutting of the skin or drawing of blood.

After a car accident, many accident victims fear seeking medical treatment. They worry about surgery or being loaded up on prescription medications that have many side effects. Although you may fear the hospital or your primary care physician, you have no reason to fear a chiropractor. Although you are seeking medical care, a trip to the chiropractor may actually feel more like a trip the spa than a doctor’s visit.

3 – No Medications

As previously stated, chiropractic care involves the use of manual therapy. This is 100% all natural. Pain relievers do provide relief, but that relief is short-lived and it only masks the problem. Chiropractors want to eliminate your pain, but they do so by going directly to the source.

4 – It Is Safe

Although chiropractic care is 100% natural, is there is some concern about the force used in adjustments. What if a chiropractor slips? Will more damage occur? These are legitimate questions, but you do not need to worry. Chiropractors are medical professionals. They are educated and trained as such. Not anyone can be a chiropractor. It requires training, education, the passing of many tests, and a state license. If your chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), you can rest assure knowing you are safe in their hands.

Not only is chiropractor a safe form of healthcare, but it is ideal for individuals of all ages. In fact, some parents bring their newborns in for examination following birth! Yes, they really do and it is perfectly safe. If your child is in the car with you during an accident, their primary care physician may prescribe pain medication. It is very dangerous, especially for small children. The 100% natural relief of chiropractic care is safe for individuals of all ages and even pregnant women.

5 – It Is Sometimes Covered by Insurance

Following a car accident, your focus may be on costs. After all, your car is damaged. You may have to pay for a new method of transportation, but now healthcare too. As previously stated, some injuries are hard to spot immediately following an automobile accident. Don’t wait to get diagnosed until after the incident and after all insurance claims have been filed. Know now.

Luckily, many insurance providers extend coverage for chiropractic care. Many realize that it can lower their operating costs. The onetime cost of neck realignment is much cheaper than 10 years of prescribed pain medications or surgery.

Ideally, visit a chiropractor within 72 hours of the accident. Chiropractic is a holistic form of treatment that does not rely on medication, surgery, or other invasive procedures. Whiplash is the type of car accident injury most often treated by chiropractors.

At that first visit, we will perform a physical examination, take your medical history, and take X-rays. In most cases, adjustments are not made on the initial visit.