Conditions we treat
Whiplash
The rapid back-and-forth motion from a car accident or sudden impact can strain the neck in ways that don't always hurt right away. Early evaluation catches what you can't feel yet.
What happens during a whiplash injury
Whiplash happens when the head is forced backward and then forward, or the reverse, faster than the neck's muscles and ligaments can control, even in a relatively low-speed collision. That rapid motion can strain soft tissue and irritate joints in ways that don't always show up as pain right away, sometimes taking a day or more to fully set in.
Symptoms to watch for
- Neck pain and stiffness that shows up hours or days after the accident
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Reduced range of motion turning the head
- Shoulder or upper back tension
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating in the days following the accident
Why early evaluation matters
Because symptoms can be delayed, waiting to see how you feel before getting checked can mean missing a structural injury early, when it's easiest to address. Digital X-rays and postural analysis soon after an accident give us a real baseline, whether or not you're in pain yet.
Florida's PIP rules also generally require initial treatment within 14 days of an accident for coverage, and a licensed chiropractor is a qualified provider for that evaluation, no referral needed. Our Car Accident Injury Care service page covers that timeline in more detail.
How we treat it
Treatment is built around what your imaging shows, typically a combination of chiropractic adjustment, traction, and physiotherapy, aimed at full recovery rather than just easing pain in the short term.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I feel fine after my accident, do I still need to get checked?+
It's worth it. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries don't always cause pain right away, and Florida's insurance timeline rewards getting evaluated early regardless of how you feel that day.
How long does whiplash take to heal?+
It depends on the severity of the injury. Milder cases often improve over several weeks of care, while more significant injuries take longer. We'll give you a realistic plan after your evaluation.
Can whiplash cause headaches?+
Yes, headaches starting at the base of the skull are a common symptom, tied to the same neck strain that causes the rest of the whiplash symptoms.
Do I need a referral to be seen after a car accident?+
No. Florida law recognizes chiropractors as qualified providers for your initial post-accident evaluation, so you can come straight to us.
Will my whiplash symptoms show up on an X-ray?+
X-rays primarily show bone alignment, not soft tissue directly, but they help us see structural changes and rule out more serious injury, alongside a hands-on exam of the soft tissue itself.
Next step
Dealing with whiplash?
We'll walk through what's going on and whether this is the right fit for you.
Request an Appointment