Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident
If you’ve recently been in a car accident—even a low-speed one—you may feel fine at first. But a few hours or even days later, you might notice your neck feels stiff, sore, or just not quite right. These are common signs of whiplash after a car accident, and they shouldn't be ignored.
Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident
What Is Whiplash & How Does It Happen?
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then backward, causing the neck to snap in a whip-like motion. This movement can strain muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck—even if you’re involved in a low-speed collision in a parking lot. It’s a common injury, but because there’s often no visible damage, it’s easy to underestimate how serious it can be.
Common Signs of Whiplash Following a Collision
The most obvious symptom is neck pain or stiffness. If your neck hurts after a car crash, especially if the discomfort increases with movement or you’re experiencing limited range of motion, you may be dealing with whiplash. Additional symptoms can include:
Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
Shoulder or upper back tenderness
Dizziness or balance issues
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Fatigue and irritability
Less Obvious Symptoms of Whiplash
Sometimes, the effects of being injured in a collision go beyond physical pain. People with whiplash may also experience:
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
These symptoms may not show up immediately, which is why early attention and evaluation are so important.
When Your Neck Hurts After a Car Crash, Chiropractic Can Help
As a chiropractor, I see the powerful potential of gentle, targeted care after an auto accident. Chiropractic adjustments after a collision can help restore proper spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility—all of which can help with the healing process. The sooner you begin treatment after recognizing the signs of whiplash after a car accident, the better your chances of a faster, more complete recovery.
Been Injured in a Collision? Don’t Wait—Get Checked Out
If your neck hurts after a car crash, or if you’re noticing other symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or stiffness, don’t ignore them. Getting an evaluation—even after a minor accident—can make all the difference.
At Core Chiropractic in Salem, we take a personalized, thorough approach to helping patients heal after car accidents. If you think you’ve been injured in a collision or are showing signs of whiplash after a car accident, schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler. Let’s get you back to feeling like yourself again.
