Neck pain, stiffness, and headaches after a car accident are classic whiplash symptoms — and they often don't appear until 24–72 hours after the crash. Don't wait to get evaluated.
Get Same-Day EvaluationThe most common injury in car accidents — and one that's frequently undertreated.
Whiplash — formally called cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury — occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward (or side to side) faster than the neck muscles can react. The rapid motion overstretches and tears the soft tissues of the cervical spine: muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules.
It's most common in rear-end collisions but also occurs in T-bone accidents, side impacts, and even low-speed crashes under 15 mph. The crash doesn't have to be severe for whiplash to be significant.
Without proper treatment, whiplash injuries can progress from acute pain to chronic neck dysfunction, persistent headaches, and restricted mobility that lasts months or years.
Many patients feel fine immediately after their accident. Adrenaline suppresses pain signals, and inflammation builds gradually. Symptoms typically peak 24–72 hours post-crash. If you've been in an accident, get evaluated even if you feel okay right now.
A structured approach that addresses the injury — not just the pain.
We assess your full cervical spine, neurological function, and range of motion. We'll order X-rays or refer for MRI when indicated to rule out fractures or disc herniations before beginning care.
Precise, controlled chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment to misaligned cervical vertebrae, reducing nerve irritation and breaking the cycle of muscle guarding and spasm.
Massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy address the muscle injury directly — reducing inflammation, breaking up adhesions, and restoring healthy tissue pliability.
Progressive strengthening and mobility exercises rebuild the stability of the cervical spine, preventing re-injury and long-term chronic pain patterns.
Every visit is documented with SOAP notes and functional assessments. We provide narrative reports to your attorney and handle direct billing to your auto insurance or MedPay carrier.
Common questions from patients after a car accident.
The most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, shoulder and upper back pain, jaw pain, dizziness, arm numbness or tingling, and fatigue. Symptoms often develop 24–72 hours after the accident rather than immediately.
Mild cases may resolve in a few weeks, but moderate to severe whiplash can become chronic — lasting months or years — without proper treatment. Studies show that a significant percentage of untreated whiplash patients develop persistent pain. Early chiropractic care dramatically improves outcomes.
Yes. Multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews support chiropractic spinal manipulation as one of the most effective treatments for whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). It's particularly effective at restoring cervical range of motion and reducing chronic pain compared to passive treatments alone.
As soon as possible — ideally within 72 hours of your accident. Early treatment reduces inflammation before it becomes entrenched, prevents scar tissue formation around injured soft tissues, and creates a documented medical record essential for your insurance claim.
Yes. Research shows significant whiplash injuries can occur at impact speeds as low as 5–10 mph. Low-speed collisions are actually sometimes more injurious to soft tissues because modern bumpers absorb impact that would otherwise dissipate through the vehicle frame — transferring more force to the occupants.
In most car accident cases, yes. The at-fault driver's liability insurance covers your medical care. Your own auto policy's MedPay (Medical Payments) coverage applies regardless of fault and typically provides $5,000–$25,000 for treatment. We handle insurance billing directly and can help you understand your coverage.
Providing whiplash treatment for car accident patients in Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont, Superior, and all of Boulder County, CO.
Same-day evaluation available for accident patients. We accept auto insurance, MedPay, and personal injury liens — no out-of-pocket costs in most cases.
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