5 Most Common Questions About Whiplash

February 17, 2023

Whiplash is a painful neck injury that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the neck are damaged. It's a common soft tissue injury that is sometimes referred to as a neck strain. While it's usually a minor injury, it can cause more serious symptoms. If you have questions about this condition, you'll find some answers below.

1. What Causes Whiplash?

Many people develop whiplash after being involved in auto accidents, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden impact can whip the neck back and forth during a crash, damaging neck muscles. However, it can also be caused by roller coaster rides, falls, sports injuries, and other situations that cause trauma to the neck. People are more likely to develop whiplash if they've injured their necks in the past.

2. When Do Symptoms Appear?

Some people experience symptoms immediately after an injury, while others may not have symptoms until later. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of the injury, but some may not show symptoms for a few days. Without treatment, it's common for symptoms to become more severe with time.

3. What Are Common Whiplash Symptoms?

The primary symptoms of whiplash are neck and shoulder pain, but it can also cause other symptoms. Other common symptoms include a stiff neck, headaches, or a tingling sensation along the neck or shoulders. If the injury is severe, it can also cause neurological symptoms like vision problems and dizziness.

4. Do Chiropractors Treat Whiplash?

The neck is a part of the spine and is often referred to as the cervical spine. Since chiropractors specialize in spinal health, they can treat conditions like whiplash. According to the American Chiropractic Association, over 34 million people in the U.S. receive chiropractic care each year. Chiropractors can also treat injuries that occur alongside whiplash, like nerve damage and strains.

5. How Long Does it Take to Recover?

Healing times can vary based on the injury's severity. It's not unusual for people to recover from whiplash within a few weeks, but some injuries can take months or more to heal fully. Without treatment, some people may experience lasting neck pain and stiffness.

Neck injuries can cause significant impairment and discomfort. Your neck helps support your head and upper back, and injuries like whiplash can interfere with your neck's functionality. That's why you shouldn't wait to seek treatment if you have symptoms of a whiplash injury. Contact Dr. Nikta Andalib, D.C., Q.M.E. today to make an appointment.

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Chiropractic Care After Car Accidents: How It Helps

July 1, 2025

Car accidents can cause many injuries that affect the muscles, joints, and spine. Sometimes, even seemingly small accidents can lead to persistent pain, tightness, and reduced movement if they aren’t addressed promptly. That’s why timely and effective recovery is essential to prevent long-term complications and help you return to your normal routine. One of the most effective approaches to recovery after a car accident is chiropractic care. Chiropractors specialize in identifying and treating injuries related to the spine and musculoskeletal system, providing safe, non-invasive relief that supports your body’s natural healing process. Common Injuries from Car Accidents Car accidents often cause injuries to the neck, back, and soft tissues. Whiplash, caused by sudden jerking of the head, is a common injury leading to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited movement. Other typical injuries include soft tissue sprains and strains, spinal misalignments that irritate nerves, and muscle soreness from impact. Chiropractors treat many of these issues by realigning the spine, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility to relieve pain and support healing. However, chiropractic care is not suitable for severe injuries like fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage, which require immediate medical attention. Chiropractors may assist later with rehabilitation once the patient is stable. How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Car Accident Chiropractic care supports recovery by correcting spinal misalignments and treating soft tissue injuries that often cause lingering pain and limited mobility. Gentle spinal adjustments relieve pressure on nerves, improve joint function, and enhance circulation to damaged tissues, helping the body heal naturally without medication. This approach addresses common symptoms like neck pain, back pain, stiffness, and headaches, while reducing inflammation and restoring range of motion. Chiropractic care also helps prevent long-term complications such as chronic pain or joint degeneration, promoting a safer and more complete recovery. What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment After a Car Accident When you begin chiropractic care after a car accident, your chiropractor will first perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and review of your injury history. They may also use imaging tests to understand the extent of your injuries. Treatment typically involves gentle spinal adjustments combined with soft tissue therapy, stretches, and rehabilitation exercises tailored to your needs. Most patients experience gradual pain relief and improved mobility within a few sessions. Treatment frequency depends on injury severity and individual healing rates. Throughout care, your chiropractor will monitor progress and adjust the plan to ensure safe, effective recovery. Personalized Chiropractic Recovery After a Car Accident Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free way to recover from car accident injuries by relieving pain, improving mobility, and addressing spinal misalignments. Early treatment helps prevent long-term issues and speeds up your return to daily life. It’s an effective option for managing common post-accident symptoms like neck pain, back stiffness, and muscle tension. Dr. Nikta Andalib, DC, provides expert care for those recovering from bus, motorcycle, or truck accidents. Her personalized approach supports full recovery by restoring strength and mobility. Ready to heal? Book your chiropractic evaluation today.

How Long Do Chiropractic Adjustments Last?

May 29, 2025

For those recovering from workplace injuries, chiropractic care can be an effective, noninvasive way to reduce pain and restore function. But how long do the benefits of each adjustment actually last? The answer isn’t the same for everyone — it often depends on the individual and the nature of their injury.