Is it whiplash or just a stiff neck? Know the signs
You walk away from a car accident thinking it was not that bad. Maybe just a bump or two. A sore neck sure but nothing serious.
But then the next day rolls around. You wake up and suddenly your neck feels so stiff that you cannot turn your head. It hurts to sit, drive or even focus. Now you are confused if it is just a stiff neck or it is something worse like whiplash.
At Pragle Chiropractic, Accident & Injury Clinic in Tallahassee, we see many college students and young drivers who come in with the same question. Keep reading to learn the difference between whiplash and a stiff neck and more about car accident treatment.
Car accidents and neck injuries
A crash occurring at even 10 mph speed can cause serious strain to the neck. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that whiplash is the most commonly reported injury in rear-end collisions.
It happens because of the sudden motions of the neck. Such abrupt movements stretch muscles, ligaments and even the spine.
The tricky part is that symptoms do not always show up right away. Therefore, many people ignore their pain until it gets worse.
How do you identify auto accident whiplash in Tallahassee
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It occurs when your head suddenly jerks forward and backward. The force strains your neck muscles and tears the ligaments. As a result, the spinal joints get misaligned and the nerves get pinched.
Common symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Pain between the shoulders
- Tingling or numbness in arms or hands
- Fatigue or trouble concentrating
Many people also report sleep problems, irritability and even ringing in the ears.
Whiplash vs stiff neck? When do you need car accident chiropractic care?
A stiff neck is milder and usually happens from sleeping wrong. You get a stiff neck from stress, long hours or phone or bad posture at your desk.
Neck stiffness usually goes away on its own in a day or two. You might feel soreness or limited movement, but sore neck would not give you numbness, headaches or dizziness.
So if your neck pain lingers for more than 48 hours or gets worse or comes with headaches and numbness that it could be whiplash. In such a condition, it is best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric and seek chiropractic care immediately.
Did you know?
Over 3 million Americans suffer from whiplash injuries each year.
More than 50% of people with whiplash still have symptoms even one year after the accident due to delayed treatment.
Whiplash recovery is 3x faster when treated with chiropractic care versus waiting it out or relying only on pain meds.
So waiting it out? Not the best plan.
The best chiropractic care after a car accident
Dr. Eric Pragle is one of the top-rated chiropractors in Tallahassee, located right near College Park and FSU. He specializes in gentle chiropractic care after car accidents to get you normal fast.
Dr. Eric starts the treatment with a gentle, full-body exam. He checks for misalignments, nerve pressure, and muscle injuries. He then suggests a personalized care plan depending on your whiplash, soft tissue injury, or spinal misalignment.
Chiropractor in Tallahassee Fl to help with whiplash
- Atlas Orthogonal Technique
Dr. Eric uses this gentle method to realign your top neck bone (the Atlas). This improves posture, reduces nerve pressure, and brings balance back to your body—all without popping or twisting.
- Soft Tissue Therapy
Tense, damaged muscles need help relaxing. Dr. Eric may use stretching, trigger point therapy, or massage to release tension and improve blood flow.
- Spinal Adjustments
Misalignment of your spine can affect your capability to heal. Chiropractic adjustments help restore balance and reduce pain in the neck and shoulders.
When should you search for chiropractor near me?
Right after the accident is the best time even if you feel okay. Sometimes, symptoms can show up days or even weeks later. Delaying the treatment means you have to take multiple sessions of spinal alignment. If you do not want chronic pain or a prolonged recovery then seek expert care right after the collision.
Additionally, Florida law also says you need to get treatment within 14 days after a car accident to use your PIP Personal Injury Protection insurance.
Chiropractic care after car accident for FSU Students
If you are a student at the FSU or the TCC and you were in a car accident then do not brush it off. Many young drivers think they are fine but days later they are in pain and cannot focus in class or sleep well.
Dr. Eric’s clinic is right near College Park and across Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown. He offers flexible appointment times even for busy student schedules.
You do not need a referral. You do not need to wait weeks. Just call, book, and come in.
Quick Tip Checklist: Is It Whiplash?
Still not sure about your neck? Ask yourself these questions:
- Did you feel a jolt during the accident?
- Is your neck pain getting worse with every passing hour?
- Do you have headaches or feeling dizzy?
- Is it hard to move your head for daily tasks?
If you said yes to any of these, then do not wait. Whiplash might be hiding beneath the surface.
What NOT to do after a car accident
Do not ignore your pain and do not rely on painkillers. Delaying the treatment might turn your condition into chronic pain and painkillers will increase toxicity in your body. Do not wait too long to get checked otherwise you will not be able to claim the auto accident insurance coverage. Moreover, do not try to sleep it off if it is getting worse. Remember, whiplash does not get better by sleeping. You need a thorough examination and personalized care by Dr. Eric for your neck.
Listen to your body
You know your body best. If your neck feels off after a crash then trust that feeling. A stiff neck might go away in a day or two but whiplash needs real care.
Dr. Eric and the team at Pragle Chiropractic are here to help. You will feel your best without drugs or surgery.
Book Your Appointment Today
Did you get an auto accident whiplash in Tallahassee?
Call Pragle Chiropractic, Accident & Injury Clinic now or book online for the best car accident chiropractic care at 32301.