What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the cervical spine caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. It is the most common injury we see after rear-end and side-impact collisions, even at speeds below 15 mph.
During impact, the head whips backward and then snaps forward faster than the neck muscles can stabilize it. This stretches and tears the ligaments, facet joints, and small stabilizing muscles between the cervical vertebrae.
Many patients feel fine immediately after a crash because of adrenaline, then develop stiffness, pain, and headaches 24 to 72 hours later. That delayed onset is normal and a key reason to be evaluated quickly.
Common symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness, especially with rotation
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or a foggy, off-balance feeling
- Shoulder and upper back tension
- Tingling or numbness into the arms
- Difficulty sleeping or finding a comfortable position
- Jaw soreness or ringing in the ears
How we treat it
We begin with a thorough orthopedic and neurological exam to rule out fracture or serious nerve involvement and to grade the severity of the whiplash injury.
Care typically combines gentle cervical adjustments to restore proper joint motion, instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy on the trapezius and suboccipital muscles, and targeted manual therapy.
As pain calms, we layer in cervical stabilization exercises, postural retraining, and at-home stretches so the injury heals fully instead of becoming chronic neck pain.
Most whiplash cases respond well within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent care. We re-examine at regular milestones and adjust the plan as you improve.
When to seek care
Whiplash symptoms often surface days or even weeks after a crash. The longer scar tissue and muscle guarding are left untreated, the harder full recovery becomes. If you were in an accident in the last few weeks, get evaluated now even if you feel only mild soreness.
Remember that pain from an auto accident is often delayed by 24 to 72 hours. Adrenaline can mask the injury at the scene, so even mild symptoms after a collision are worth a same-day evaluation.