Whiplash often shows up as neck pain, stiffness, soreness, headaches, shoulder discomfort, or limited movement after an accident. If you notice pain when turning your head, lifting your arm, or looking over your shoulder, it’s important to get evaluated. A chiropractor can confirm whether your symptoms match whiplash or another injury.

The extreme motion and force of the car accident can cause a misalignment in the cervical spine and soft tissue damage. While an acceleration-deceleration accident often involves some degree of whiplash, you may not feel the full effects until hours or even days after the accident.

Your chiropractor will ask when your symptoms started, how the accident happened, and which movements feel painful or restricted. They’ll check your neck, shoulders, and upper arm range of motion, look for tenderness, and identify what increases or relieves your pain. This helps determine the severity of your injury and the best treatment plan.

While whiplash itself doesn’t show up on X‑rays, imaging helps rule out other issues that may be contributing to your pain.

X‑rays check for alignment problems or fractures.

CT scans show detailed bone injuries.

MRI scans reveal soft‑tissue damage like ligament strain, disc irritation, or inflammation. These tests ensure nothing serious is overlooked.

A personalized treatment plan may include gentle exercises, chiropractic adjustments, and therapeutic massage. Exercises like neck rotations, side tilts, and shoulder rolls help restore movement. Adjustments realign the spine to reduce pain, and massage therapy eases muscle tension, swelling, and stiffness. Together, these therapies support a smoother, faster recovery.

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly you begin treatment. Many patients start feeling relief within days or weeks when they follow their exercise plan and receive consistent chiropractic care. Early evaluation and proper treatment help prevent long‑term stiffness, chronic pain, or reduced mobility.