According to Rush University Medical Center, more than 2 million Americans experience whiplash each year, most often after a car accident.
But what exactly is it?
When your vehicle is struck from behind, your head and neck can snap forward and backward in a split second.
That sudden “whip-like” motion can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints in your neck - sometimes leading to pain, stiffness, or headaches hours or even days later.
What Happens During Whiplash
Even a low-speed crash can be enough to cause whiplash. The neck’s quick snap stretches soft tissues beyond their normal range, which can leave muscles sore and joints inflamed. It’s not the severity of the crash that matters most - it’s the sudden change in movement.
The good news: with early evaluation and gentle care, most people recover well and prevent long-term stiffness or headaches.
Watch: Whiplash Explained (2 mins)
This short video from ChiroUp shows what happens during a whiplash injury and how focused, evidence-based chiropractic care supports recovery.
If you’re dealing with post-accident neck pain, our chiropractic team can help you move forward safely and confidently.
Schedule Your Whiplash Evaluation
or call 612-378-1050 to get started
Common Symptoms After a Collision
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen - an early assessment can help prevent chronic pain.
Schedule a quick evaluation and take the first step toward relief.
Whiplash can show up differently for everyone. Some people feel sore right away, while others don’t notice discomfort until a day or two later.
The most common symptoms include:
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Neck pain or stiffness
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Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
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Shoulder or upper-back soreness
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Tingling or numbness in the arms
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Dizziness or fatigue
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Reduced neck range of motion
Even months after the accident, some discomfort can linger.
A long-term study in The Clinical Journal of Pain found that over half of people reported whiplash-related disability and 14% experienced daily symptoms more than a decade after their injury.
Our auto-injury chiropractic care focuses on improving joint motion, reducing muscle tension, and supporting your body’s natural recovery.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
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Comprehensive evaluation: accident history, cervical exam, and imaging if needed
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Gentle adjustments to improve alignment and mobility
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Soft-tissue therapy to release tension and support healing
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Targeted exercises for strength, posture, and stability
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Self-care guidance to help you recover comfortably at home
Ready to feel better?
Book a whiplash evaluation today
How We Help at Northeast Chiropractic
I was in an auto accident and doing massage therapy here. They really care about their clients.
J. F.
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I finally came to Northeast Chiropractic after my back and neck had been hurting for about a week. After my first visit I felt real relief.
P. M.
Google Review
I go there in pain and so tight and leave with relief… My headaches are improving too!
J. F.
Google Review
Making an appointment was extremely simple and easy! Staff was friendly and very helpful! The adjustments and treatments were spot on, couldn’t ask for a better chiropractic experience.
J. G.
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Yes. Whiplash symptoms can be delayed. An early evaluation helps identify issues before they linger.
Yes. It’s the rapid neck motion - extension then flexion - that strains tissues, not just high speed.
It varies. We’ll outline a plan after your first visit and adjust as you improve.
Accident details, any prior imaging, and a list of symptoms or concerns.