Whiplash
Whiplash can leave pain, stiffness, and headaches that surface days later. We assess carefully and restore healthy motion before patterns set in.
Whiplash is a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck — most often from a car accident, but also from falls and sports collisions. The sudden force strains the neck’s joints, muscles, and ligaments, and symptoms can take a day or two to fully appear.
Why early assessment matters
Even a “minor” collision can cause lasting neck pain and headaches if the injured tissue is not addressed. Early, careful care helps prevent stiffness and guarding patterns from taking hold.
Restoring motion and strength
We combine gentle adjustments with rehabilitation to restore motion, calm irritated tissue, and rebuild the support your neck needs to fully recover.
What it feels like — and why it happens.
Common symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches, often from the neck
- Shoulder and upper-back tension
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Symptoms that appear a day or two later
Common causes
- Car accidents and rear-end collisions
- Falls and sudden jolts
- Sports and contact injuries
- Any rapid back-and-forth neck motion
- Unexpected impacts
- Workplace accidents
Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.
Risk factors
- Recent car accident or collision
- Contact or high-impact sports
- Prior neck injury
- Poor posture and weak neck muscles
- Unexpected falls
- Delaying assessment after an injury
When to seek care
- Neck pain or stiffness after an accident
- Headaches following a collision
- Reduced neck range of motion
- Shoulder or upper-back tension
- Dizziness or fatigue after impact
- Numbness, weakness, or severe pain (seek urgent care)
From problem to outcome.
A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.
The Problem
The sudden force of whiplash strains the neck's joints, muscles, and ligaments. Without proper care, the result can be lingering pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced motion.
How We Evaluate
We perform a thorough injury assessment, screening for red flags and identifying the strained segments and soft tissue so care is targeted and safe.
How We Treat It
Care uses gentle, progressive techniques and rehabilitation to restore motion, ease pain, and rebuild strength as the tissue heals.
Expected Outcome
With early, appropriate care most patients recover well, with restored motion and a lower chance of lingering symptoms.
What progress looks like.
Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.
Protect
Calm acute pain and restore gentle motion.
Restore
Progressive care to rebuild range and comfort.
Reinforce
Strengthening to support full recovery.
Questions about whiplash
Yes. Whiplash symptoms often appear a day or two after the injury. A timely assessment identifies strained tissue early and helps prevent lingering pain and stiffness.
Yes. Gentle chiropractic care and rehabilitation restore motion, ease pain, and rebuild support after whiplash. We screen carefully first and refer out for injuries that need imaging or medical care.
Recovery varies with severity, but many patients improve over several weeks of appropriate care. Starting early generally leads to a smoother recovery.
Connected care, connected answers.
Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.
Real stories from Forza patients.
Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.
“What can I say!! There’s nothing better than walking into an office and it’s not only inviting but everyone including Doc is so knowledgeable and kind. I had a car accident was suffering from a lot of back pain after a few sessions I was able to go back to things I enjoyed doing, sleeping, walking my dog, the gym with out almost any back pain! I would 10000000% recommend”
gabby garciaGoogle review · Mar 06, 2024
“Since being involved in a car accident in 2013 I have suffered debilitating migraine headaches on an almost daily basis. I was told I’d have to live with the pain the rest of my life. I was referred to Dr. Drew by a friend. Dr. Drew validated why I was suffering so much. With the individualized plan of care Dr. Drew designed for me, my life has been changed. I no longer suffer migraines daily!! I can live life again!! Dr. Drew and his team treat patients like family. They are not your average health care group. They go above and beyond. Everyone is very professional and friendly. Scheduling is accommodating and flexible which is necessary for busy people such as myself. They have strict sanitation precautions and even a snack/hydration station! The entire facility has a homey environment to it (I’m sure Dr. Drew’s wife can take credit for that!). If you are like me and have been told you will have to suffer with pain the rest of your life, GO SEE Dr. Drew! You don’t have to suffer any longer! I promise, you won’t be disappointed. My only regret is that I wasn’t referred to him sooner! Thanks Dr. Drew for being amazing and giving me life back!! I can’t express my gratitude enough. The work that you do is nothing short of life altering! Jill Ziemer”
Jill ZiemerGoogle review · Sep 11, 2023
“Dr. Matt is top notch! After a car accident, I was experiencing shoulder/neck and arm pain. From my initial appointment to my continuing treatments, Dr. Matt has provided me with a plan to correct the issues and am now on the road to feeling like myself again! He is extremely knowledgeable, personable and really cares about his patients well being. His office staff is extremely friendly and helpful as well. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Matt and his services!!”
Kara WelbornGoogle review · Aug 09, 2016
“I started to attend Hawkeye Chiropractic about three months ago after purchasing a groupon for massage and a chiropractic evaluation and have been going consistently since. At my first visit, Dr. Monson evaluated and took xrays of my neck and back, after 2 car accidents, I was in pretty bad shape. He thoroughly explained to me how he would proceed with treatments and was very patient with my many questions. While I am not yet at 100%, I feel a lot more flexiblility in my back and joints and am glad to be making progress before any permanent damage has taken place. I highly recommend this practice and Dr. Monson; it is very clear to any patient there that they are an important person and not just a number.”
Andréa Cleary WildtGoogle review · Feb 13, 2013
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