Whiplash after a car accident
Whiplash After a Car Accident — Treatment in Hurst.
Most whiplash injuries don't show up until 24–72 hours after the crash. The earlier we treat them, the faster they resolve — and the stronger your insurance documentation.
What whiplash actually is
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head — most commonly during a rear-end collision, even at low speeds. The injury affects muscles, ligaments, and the small joints of the cervical spine.
Symptoms typically include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Pain or tingling that radiates into the shoulder or arm
- Dizziness or visual disturbance in more severe cases
Why whiplash shouldn't be left to "see if it gets better."
Clinical reason: Untreated whiplash develops chronic patterns. Soft-tissue injury that's allowed to heal in a contracted, inflamed state often results in persistent restriction and pain for months or years. Early movement-based care prevents that pattern from setting in.
Documentation reason: A documented gap between your accident and your first treatment is the single most common tool insurance adjusters use to dispute a claim. "If it was that bad, why didn't they see anyone for three weeks?" Treating early closes that argument.
How we evaluate it
Your initial visit includes:
- A detailed history of the accident and your symptoms
- Range-of-motion testing for the cervical spine
- Orthopedic and neurological tests appropriate to whiplash
- Digital X-rays if indicated by exam findings
- MRI referral if we suspect disc or ligament involvement that imaging won't catch
How we treat it
Whiplash care is rarely one modality on its own — it's usually a combination, adjusted to your specific injury and progress:
- Chiropractic adjustments — to restore joint motion in the cervical spine
- Soft-tissue therapy — to release restricted muscles and fascia
- Therapeutic exercise — to rebuild strength and prevent re-injury
- Spinal decompression — if disc involvement is identified
- StemWave or other modalities — as indicated by your specific findings
What recovery typically looks like
Mild whiplash (no disc involvement, full range of motion within a few days): often resolves in 4–6 weeks with regular care.
Moderate whiplash (persistent stiffness, headaches, some referred pain): typically 8–12 weeks of active care, then a home maintenance program.
Severe whiplash (disc involvement, neurological symptoms): longer course, often coordinated with orthopedic or neurological consultation.
We don't promise a specific timeline. We promise honest assessment, a clear plan, and adjustments to that plan based on how you respond.
PIP coverage
Whiplash treatment is covered by your Texas PIP.
We bill your auto insurer directly. You pay $0 out of pocket.
Don't wait — whiplash responds best to early treatment.
Call us to verify your PIP and book your exam this week.