What It Is

Car accident injuries commonly involve whiplash, a rapid back and forth motion of the neck that strains muscles, ligaments, and joints in the cervical spine. Even low speed collisions can produce meaningful tissue injury. Symptoms sometimes take hours or days to fully appear, which is why an evaluation soon after an accident matters even if you feel only mildly sore at first.

Common Symptoms

• Neck pain and stiffness, often worse the day after the accident
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull
• Upper back and shoulder pain
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
• Dizziness or difficulty concentrating in some cases

Common Causes

• Whiplash associated disorder from rear end or side impact collisions
• Cervical and thoracic joint irritation from the sudden force of impact
• Muscle strain and ligament sprain in the neck and upper back
• Disc irritation or herniation from the impact forces
• Aggravation of pre-existing spinal conditions

How We Can Help in Austin

We start with a thorough history of the accident, a full neurological and postural examination, and digital X-rays to rule out fracture or instability and to identify the specific structures involved. Whiplash associated disorder is typically classified by grade, and your care plan is built around your specific classification and exam findings.

Conservative care including gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted rehabilitation exercises is a common first line approach for whiplash and related injuries once serious pathology has been ruled out. Early, appropriate care is generally associated with better outcomes than delaying treatment. We also provide the documentation many patients need for insurance or legal purposes related to their accident.

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Frequently Asked Questions