Whiplash Injury Treatment in San Diego
Recover from auto accident whiplash with expert chiropractic neurology care. We treat the neck, nerves, and brain together for complete recovery.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is a cervical acceleration-deceleration injury most commonly caused by rear-end automobile collisions. During impact, the torso is thrust forward by the seatbelt while the head lags behind, hyperextending the neck. Milliseconds later, the head snaps forward into hyperflexion. This rapid whip-like motion can damage muscles, ligaments, discs, nerve roots, and even the spinal cord in severe cases.
What makes whiplash particularly deceptive is the delayed onset of symptoms. Adrenaline and endorphins released during the accident can mask pain for hours to days. Many patients leave the emergency room feeling relatively fine, only to develop severe neck pain, headaches, and cognitive difficulties 48 to 72 hours later. This delay often leads patients to underestimate the severity of their injury and postpone treatment, which significantly worsens outcomes.
Research shows that patients who begin comprehensive treatment within two weeks of a whiplash injury have dramatically better long-term outcomes. If you've been in an auto accident, don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over days following the accident.
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens over the first few days
- Headaches originating at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back pain or tightness
- Dizziness or difficulty with balance after the accident
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Numbness or tingling radiating into the arms or hands
- Difficulty concentrating, brain fog, or memory issues
- Sleep disturbances or fatigue that won't resolve
What Happens to Your Body During Whiplash
Multiple structures are injured simultaneously during the whiplash mechanism
Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Mechanism
During a rear-end collision, your head is thrown backward and then forward at high speed. This rapid motion stretches or tears the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck beyond their normal range, causing microscopic and macroscopic tissue damage that triggers inflammation and pain.
Cervical Ligament Damage
The ligaments that stabilize your cervical spine (alar, transverse, anterior/posterior longitudinal) can be partially torn or stretched during whiplash. This ligamentous laxity allows abnormal joint movement, leading to chronic neck instability, pain, and increased vulnerability to future injury.
Disc Injury and Nerve Compression
The forces of whiplash can cause disc bulges or herniations in the cervical spine, compressing nearby nerve roots. This produces radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Disc injuries may not appear on imaging for weeks after the initial trauma.
Concurrent Concussion (Whiplash-Associated Brain Injury)
The same forces that injure the neck can also cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, producing a mild traumatic brain injury. Up to 50% of whiplash patients also sustain a concussion, leading to cognitive difficulties, dizziness, and light sensitivity that are often attributed solely to the neck injury.
Your 5-Part Whiplash Recovery System
A comprehensive approach addressing neck, nerves, and brain
Comprehensive Injury Assessment
We perform a thorough neurological and orthopedic examination to identify all injured structures: cervical spine, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nervous system. We also screen for concussion, which is frequently missed in whiplash cases.
Pain Reduction and Inflammation Control
Erchonia low-level laser therapy, gentle chiropractic adjustments, and fascial mobilization reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasm, and restore initial pain-free range of motion without relying on medication.
Spinal Stabilization and Alignment
As pain decreases, we restore proper cervical alignment and train the deep stabilizing muscles of the neck. This prevents the chronic instability that leads to recurring pain and headaches months after the accident.
Neurological Rehabilitation
For patients with concurrent concussion symptoms, vestibular therapy, vision therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation address the brain-based components of whiplash that medication cannot reach.
Functional Restoration and Prevention
Progressive strengthening, proprioceptive retraining, and ergonomic guidance return you to full activity. We ensure your neck is stronger and more resilient than before the injury to minimize future vulnerability.
Why Choose Us for Whiplash Recovery?
San Diego's trusted auto accident injury specialists with expertise in chiropractic neurology.
Early Intervention
Faster treatment means faster recovery
Whiplash Specialists
Extensive auto accident injury experience
Concussion Screening
We check for brain injury others miss
Documentation Provided
Thorough records for insurance and legal
Drug-Free Recovery
Heal without medication dependency
After my car accident I could barely turn my head. My doctor just gave me painkillers. Here, they found disc issues and a concussion I didn't even know I had. Three months later, I'm pain-free and back to normal life.
David R.
Whiplash Patient, San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about whiplash injuries, auto accident treatment, and recovery.
Treatments That May Help
Injured in an Auto Accident?
Don't wait for whiplash symptoms to worsen. Early treatment leads to faster, more complete recovery. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation today.
Call (619) 344-0111 to speak with a specialist