Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident, even in low-speed collisions. It happens when your head and neck are suddenly forced forward and backward, straining the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck. While symptoms might appear right away, they can also take hours or days to develop. Without proper care, whiplash can lead to long-term stiffness, headaches, and chronic pain.
In this article, we’ll break down what whiplash really is, how it’s diagnosed, and how chiropractic care can support a safe and effective recovery.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion, similar to the cracking of a whip. This sudden movement can stretch or tear soft tissues in the neck and affect the spine’s alignment.
Common causes include:
Rear-end or side-impact car collisions
Sports injuries (especially contact sports)
Physical assaults or falls
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop within 24–48 hours. Common signs include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Fatigue
How Chiropractors Diagnose Whiplash
A chiropractor will begin with a detailed history and physical exam, checking:
- Neck mobility and flexibility
- Muscle tenderness and spasms
- Spinal alignment
- Neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, tingling)
- In some cases, X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to rule out fractures, disc injuries, or other complications.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Whiplash Recovery
Chiropractic treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring normal neck movement, and preventing long-term complications. Here’s how it can help:
Gentle Spinal Adjustments
Realigns the cervical spine to reduce nerve irritation and promote healing.Soft Tissue Therapy
Relieves muscle tension, reduces inflammation, and helps restore mobility.Therapeutic Exercises
Strengthens neck and upper back muscles, improving stability and preventing re-injury.Posture and Ergonomic Guidance
Helps prevent strain during daily activities and supports faster recovery.
When to Seek Immediate Care
You should see a healthcare professional right away if you experience:
Severe neck pain
Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels
Loss of consciousness
How Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness Can Help
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, our team provides personalized care for whiplash injuries. We focus on gentle, evidence-based techniques to restore neck function, reduce pain, and help you return to your daily activities without lingering discomfort. Whether your injury is recent or symptoms have been persisting for weeks, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that supports long-term recovery.
📍 Visit Us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 https://re-laxchiropractic.com
You’re in good hands, ask a Re-LAX staff member about starting whiplash recovery care today.