We help people of all ages in Austin, TX with whiplash injuries.

If you have experienced whiplash, the chiropractors at Smith Family Chiropractic can help!

Every day, thousands of people are injured in auto accidents—from minor fender benders to severe collisions. These accidents commonly result in whiplash, joint dislocations, and misalignment of the neck, back, and shoulders.

Until recently, the true cause of pain associated with whiplash injuries was not well understood. Because of insurance and legal misconceptions, individuals who reported neck pain after a collision were often not taken seriously. However, modern research has clarified why rear-end accidents cause a significantly higher rate of injury than other types of crashes. This understanding is crucial, as it helps doctors provide appropriate and effective care for whiplash patients.

Whiplash Injuries Are Often Complex

Whiplash can affect multiple parts of the body and may involve several overlapping conditions, including:

Neck Pain
Neck pain is the most common symptom after a car accident—reported by up to 90% of injured drivers. Symptoms range from stiffness, tightness, and reduced mobility to severe, debilitating pain. In more serious cases, whiplash may cause fractures of the cervical vertebrae, which can lead to spinal cord damage. These injuries are medical emergencies requiring immediate care.

Joint Dysfunction
One or more spinal joints may lose their normal shock absorption and flexibility, causing restricted movement, stiffness, and ongoing pain.

Disc Herniation
The force of a whiplash accident can cause small tears in the discs between the vertebrae. These tears may allow the disc’s inner material to bulge outward and irritate nearby nerves, resulting in neck pain that radiates into the arm, as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or grip.

Other Common Symptoms of Whiplash

• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Upper and lower back pain
• Sciatica or leg pain

Why You Should Seek Chiropractic Care After a Collision

It is essential to be evaluated by a trained car accident chiropractor following a crash. Even if symptoms are mild—or not yet present—whiplash-related issues may take 6 weeks to 6 months to develop.

At Smith Family Chiropractic, we work with local doctors and imaging centers, accept Letters of Protection from most attorneys, and ensure that every patient feels comfortable and supported throughout their recovery.

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Our chiropractors are here to help you heal safely and naturally.