Whiplash Treatment After a Car Crash

What whiplash actually is

A rapid acceleration-deceleration of the neck. Ligaments, joints, and muscles can be strained even when X-rays look “normal.”

Symptoms that can show up later

Whiplash symptoms commonly appear 12–24 hours after impact, sometimes longer. Neck pain, reduced turning, headache, mid-back tightness, dizziness, or arm symptoms. Delayed onset does not mean it is “all in your head.”

How we examine

History of the impact, neck and upper-back motion, orthopedic tests, neurological screen, and imaging when findings warrant it.

Treatment beyond “give it time”

When appropriate: specific adjustments, massage therapy (not offered at our Arlington office), corrective exercise, and home instructions you can actually do. If Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression or another modality fits, we will say why.

Records

Useful if this is part of an auto claim. Useful even if it is not.

How Letters of Protection and billing work →

When to come in

Sooner is better for a baseline. Same-day ER for red-flag symptoms.