Whiplash and Neck Pain After a Car Accident: What It Is

Quick answer: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called a neck sprain or strain. MedlinePlus says falls and accidents, including car accidents, are a common cause of neck pain, that treatment depends on the cause, and that you rarely need surgery. If you were hurt in a car accident in San Diego and your neck has started to hurt, rule out an emergency first, then get it looked at.

What is whiplash?

MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine’s health site, puts it in one line: “Whiplash, a soft tissue injury to the neck, is also called neck sprain or strain.”

MedlinePlus notes that any part of your neck can cause neck problems, including muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. It also says that pain may come from your shoulder, jaw, head or upper arms. So where it hurts doesn’t always tell you what is hurt.

When is it an emergency?

Before anything else, here is what MedlinePlus says about the emergency room:

What you notice	What MedlinePlus says to do
Injury to the neck or spine, particularly with loss of feeling or inability to move	Call 911
Head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion	Call 911
Unusual or bad headache, particularly if it started suddenly	Go to an emergency department or call 911
Dizziness or weakness that does not go away	Go to an emergency department or call 911
Severe pain anywhere on the body	Go to an emergency department or call 911
High fever with headache and stiff neck	Go to an emergency department or call 911

A headache or neck pain after a crash can also be a concussion symptom, and MedlinePlus says those symptoms may start days or weeks after the injury. Read concussion signs that can start days or weeks later.

How is whiplash treated?

MedlinePlus says treatment depends on the cause, but may include applying ice, taking pain relievers, getting physical therapy or wearing a cervical collar. It adds, “You rarely need surgery.”

That is a general summary, not a plan for your neck. Your own doctor can tell you what fits, and Dr. Anderson’s own advice is to consult with your doctor before making an appointment for chiropractic care after an automobile accident.

Could it be something other than the crash?

It could be, or it could be more than one thing. MedlinePlus says muscle strain or tension often causes neck pain, and that the problem is usually overuse, such as sitting at a computer for too long. You can also strain your neck by sleeping in an awkward position or overdoing it during exercise. Tell whoever examines you about those things too, along with what your neck felt like before the crash. It gives them a truer picture of what changed.

Where does a chiropractor fit in?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says chiropractors approach care in a manner similar to conventional medicine. They interview the patient, take a detailed health history, examine, test and develop a working diagnosis, then build a management plan, start treatment and monitor progress. It also says chiropractors often treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system.

Manual methods range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations, which are usually delivered by hand. MedlinePlus lists chiropractic among its neck pain treatment topics.

How do you check a chiropractor’s credentials?

The same federal center says that to practice in the United States, chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and have a state license. It also says health insurance plans may cover chiropractic, but coverage may be partial rather than complete, so ask before you assume. Dr. Anderson’s California license is DC20105.

What does Dr. Anderson look at?

At Anderson Chiropractic & Wellness, a neck exam starts with your history and these questions:

• When did the pain start?
• What have you tried to ease it?
• Does the pain travel to your arms, shoulders or back?
• Does anything ease your discomfort?
• What makes it worse?

He then looks at your range of motion and the alignment and curvature of your neck, and runs neurological tests, including muscle strength and reflexes. If needed, he will order X-rays, CAT scans or MRIs. Those results help him decide whether spinal adjustments are right for you. The office also consults with your general practitioner before performing any adjustments.

If care makes sense, your plan may include manual adjustments, exercises you can do at home, massage and other therapies.

What should you write down?

It helps to keep a simple record, starting today:

• What happened in the crash, and when
• When each symptom started, and how it has changed
• What makes it better or worse
• Any care you have had so far, and the bills that came with it

That record helps your exam, and it helps with paperwork too. If you have a medical payments claim, the Department of Insurance says you must provide documentation of your injuries and medical expenses. See MedPay in California, the 10-day DMV report and what the state says to do next.

Why see Dr. Anderson for neck pain after a crash in San Diego?

Dr. Anderson graduated with honors from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1988 and has been in Scripps Ranch since 2003. “I use him for pain management with my neck and always feel better after my visit,” wrote Deb Marich in a Google review.

Read about car accident and whiplash care. The office is in Scripps Ranch, also serving Poway, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (858) 549-1088 or contact the office.