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A car accident can happen in seconds, but the pain and stiffness that follow may last much longer.

motor vehicle accident is a common injury pattern associated with a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Although motor vehicle collisions are a common cause, similar acceleration-deceleration forces can occur during other types of trauma.

Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder or upper-back pain, dizziness, and reduced movement. Some people notice symptoms immediately, while others may not experience significant discomfort until hours or days after an accident.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive evaluations and conservative care for appropriately selected patients with whiplash-associated disorders and other musculoskeletal injuries affecting the neck and upper body.

If you are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or other symptoms after an accident, a thorough evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.

Whiplash is commonly used to describe a neck injury associated with a rapid acceleration-deceleration mechanism.

Healthcare professionals may use the term whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) to describe the collection of symptoms that can develop after this type of injury.

Symptoms may involve the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper back
• Head
• Arms

According to the American College of Radiology, whiplash-associated disorders can involve symptoms such as neck pain, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion following blunt cervical trauma. The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical findings rather than imaging alone.

Whiplash symptoms can vary from mild to significant.

Common complaints include:

• Neck pain or soreness
• Neck stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Upper-back pain
• Muscle tenderness
• Pain that increases with certain movements
• Tingling or numbness
• Dizziness or other symptoms requiring further evaluation

Not every symptom following a motor vehicle accident is necessarily caused by whiplash. That is why a proper history and examination are important.

Immediately after an accident, some people may feel relatively normal and assume they were not injured. Symptoms can become more noticeable after the initial stress response has subsided and normal movement resumes.

Delayed or evolving symptoms should be taken seriously and evaluated in the context of the accident and the patient's overall condition.

A clinical assessment is particularly important if symptoms are worsening or if new neurological symptoms develop. Clinical guidelines recommend reassessment and referral for further medical evaluation when symptoms worsen or new concerning symptoms appear.

For appropriately selected patients, chiropractic care may be part of a multimodal, conservative approach to managing whiplash-associated neck pain.

Depending on your examination findings, your treatment plan may include:

Chiropractic Manual Therapy

When clinically appropriate, manual therapy, mobilization, or spinal traction/manipulation may be used to address musculoskeletal dysfunction and restricted movement.

Therapeutic Exercise

Specific exercises may be used to gradually improve:

• Neck mobility
• Strength
• Muscular endurance
• Movement control
• Daily function

Soft Tissue Treatment

Muscle tenderness and dysfunction involving the neck, shoulders, and upper back may be addressed as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Education and Self-Management

Understanding your condition and knowing how to safely return to normal movement and activities can be an important part of recovery.

A clinical practice guideline for whiplash-associated and neck pain disorders supports a multimodal approach that may include manual therapy, exercise, and self-management strategies.

Some symptoms following a car accident require urgent medical evaluation.

Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Significant or worsening weakness
• New or progressive numbness
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or significant changes in mental status
• Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Symptoms suggesting a significant head injury or spinal injury

If you are unsure whether your symptoms represent an emergency, seek immediate medical evaluation.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, patient safety comes first. If your symptoms suggest that another level of medical care is necessary, we will recommend the appropriate evaluation or referral.

Neck pain and stiffness after an accident can interfere with work, sleep, exercise, and everyday life.

Whether your symptoms started immediately or became noticeable later, an appropriate evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your discomfort and whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we provide individualized care for patients with whiplash-associated and musculoskeletal injuries, with treatment plans based on the patient's history, examination findings, and recovery goals.

Schedule a Whiplash Evaluation

If you are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or other musculoskeletal symptoms following an accident, contact O'Leary Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.

Call the office at (518) 793-1205 or request an appointment online.

Serving patients in Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls, and the surrounding Adirondack region.