WHIPLASH
Whiplash Care After a Car Accident
Many people feel “fine” at the scene and wake up a day or two later with a stiff neck, a headache and shoulders that won’t let go. The weeks after a crash matter. Getting examined early tends to mean a shorter road back.
Minnesota Monthly Best Chiropractor 2020–2026 · Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®) · Veteran and Woman-owned
OUR APPROACH
Something Happened. Here’s What to Do Next.
Whiplash is what happens when your head is thrown quickly forward and back, most often in a rear-end collision, but also in sports and falls. Symptoms don’t always show up right away.
Your first visit is a thorough history of the crash and a careful exam of the neck, upper back, shoulders and anything else that took the hit. We document everything, because a clear record protects you and guides your care. We handle the Minnesota no-fault paperwork so you can focus on recovering.
Don’t wait to see if it goes away. An early exam gives you a baseline either way.
Dr. HeatherDC, MS, CCSP®
WHAT WHIPLASH CAN LOOK LIKE
Symptoms Often Show Up 24–72 Hours Later
Whiplash isn’t only a sore neck. Here’s what we commonly see after a crash.
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Often worse on the second or third day. Turning to check a blind spot becomes difficult.
Headaches
Usually starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward. See our Headaches & Migraines page.
Shoulder & Upper-Back Tightness
Pain or tightness into the shoulders and between the shoulder blades from bracing at impact.
Dizziness or Feeling “Off”
Trouble concentrating, light-headedness or fatigue. We screen carefully for concussion and refer when needed.
Jaw Pain or Arm Tingling
The jaw and the nerves to the arms can be affected by the same forces that strain the neck.
Low Back Pain
Bracing against the impact often strains the low back too. See our Back Pain page.
Insurance, no-fault and the full process: Auto Accident & Injury Care →
HOW WE APPROACH IT
Care Staged to Where You Are
Early on, the goal is to calm things down: gentle movement, soft-tissue work and Class 4 laser. Then adjustments, Active Release Techniques® and Graston Technique® as the tissue allows. Then rebuilding strength and tolerance so you can get back to driving, working and training without guarding.
We re-evaluate on a schedule and adjust. Your plan may combine:
- Gentle mobilization and adjustments as your neck is ready for them.
- Active Release Techniques® and Graston Technique® for the strained muscles and fascia. Learn about ART®
- Class 4 laser therapy to calm irritated tissue early in care. Learn about laser therapy
- Progressive exercises to rebuild neck strength and tolerance.
- Documented findings and progress notes for your claim and your attorney, if you have one.
- Imaging or a referral when your findings call for it.
WHEN TO SEE A PHYSICIAN FIRST
Go to Urgent Care or the ER First If…
These need medical evaluation before chiropractic care. We’ll be here afterward.
- You hit your head or lost consciousness, even briefly.
- Severe headache, vomiting or confusion after the crash.
- Weakness, numbness or trouble walking, or symptoms that are getting worse.
- Severe neck pain with any difficulty moving your head at all.
Minnesota is a no-fault state: your own auto policy’s personal injury protection covers care after a crash, regardless of who caused it. We bill your auto insurer directly.
WHIPLASH FAQ
Whiplash Questions, Answered
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Something else on your mind? Call (952) 920-9247.
I feel okay. Should I still get checked?
Yes. Whiplash symptoms commonly appear 24–72 hours after a crash, and an early exam gives you a baseline either way.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Most people improve substantially over several weeks with care; some take longer, especially with higher-speed impacts or prior neck issues. We’ll give you an honest estimate once we’ve examined you and revise it as you go.
Do I need a referral or a lawyer first?
No. You can come straight to us. If you decide to work with an attorney, we’ll provide the documentation they need.
Should I wear a collar?
Usually not for more than a day or two. Gentle movement generally does better than immobilization; we’ll tell you what’s right for your case.
Who pays for whiplash care after a car accident in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a no-fault state, so your own auto policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical care after a crash regardless of fault. We bill your auto insurer directly and coordinate with your attorney if you have one. Bring your claim number or insurance card to your first visit.
What if the accident was weeks ago?
It’s still worth being examined. Symptoms that linger or come and go after a crash are common, and a careful exam now can keep them from becoming long-term.
RECOVER · PERFORM · KEEP GOING
Don’t Wait to See If It Goes Away
Schedule a visit at Excelsior & Grand Chiropractic in St. Louis Park, MN, serving Minneapolis, Edina, Golden Valley and Hopkins. We’ll get you in quickly, document what we find and handle the no-fault paperwork.
Questions first? Call (952) 920-9247.