Whiplash After a Car Accident
Neck pain, stiffness, or headaches after a crash?
You may be suffering from whiplash—one of the most underdiagnosed accident injuries.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is forcefully and suddenly thrown backward, forward, or side to side—usually during a car accident. The most common cause is a rear-end collision, but T-bone or side impacts can also create rapid side-to-side neck motion that strains muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Even accidents under 10 mph can lead to whiplash, and symptoms may not appear for 24–72 hours. That’s why many San Diego patients delay care—sometimes allowing their injury to worsen over time.
Symptoms of Whiplash:
-
Neck pain or stiffness
-
Reduced range of motion
-
Shoulder or upper back pain
-
Pain that worsens with movement
What Causes Whiplash in Accidents?
-
T-bone or side-impact crashes
-
Sudden braking or airbag deployment
-
Seatbelt force that jerks the head violently
These forces affect the cervical spine, which can lead to nerve irritation, muscle damage, and long-term mobility issues.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Whiplash:
Without proper care, whiplash can lead to:
-
Chronic neck pain and tension
-
Pinched nerves or disc herniation
-
Headaches and migraines
-
Arm weakness or coordination issues
-
Poor posture and spinal instability
The sooner your injury is identified, the more likely you’ll avoid long-term damage.
How We Treat Whiplash in San Diego:
At San Diego Auto Injury Center, we focus on conservative, personalized treatment:
-
Chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine
-
Soft tissue therapy and muscle work
-
Gentle stretching and functional rehab
-
Imaging referrals if needed (MRI/X-ray)
-
Billing support through MedPay, lien, or insurance—often no upfront cost
Why San Diego Patients Trust Us:
-
Dedicated to accident recovery and injury rehabilitation
-
Experience with whiplash, spinal trauma, and nerve symptoms
-
Bilingual team and legal coordination support
-
3 San Diego County offices with same-day appointments
-
Free consultations and no-pressure care plans
Locations Served:
Patient Testimonial:
“I didn’t feel pain right away, but two days after my crash, my neck locked up. Their team took the time to explain whiplash and created a plan that worked. Highly recommend.”
– Angela T., San Diego
FAQs:
Q: Can whiplash happen without hitting my head?
A: Yes—whiplash is caused by the neck’s sudden motion, not by head impact.
Q: How long does whiplash take to heal?
A: That depends on the severity, but early treatment improves recovery time significantly.
Q: Will insurance cover my treatment?
A: We accept MedPay, auto policies, and personal injury liens—most patients pay nothing upfront.
Q: Do I need imaging before starting care?
A: Not always. We’ll assess your case and refer for imaging only if medically necessary.
Suffering from whiplash symptoms in San Diego? Schedule your free consultation now and take the first step toward recovery.