Whiplash: Recognizing Symptoms and Finding Effective Relief 

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, most commonly from rear-end car accidents. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder discomfort, and reduced range of motion, often appearing 24-72 hours after injury.

According to the Mayo Clinic (2024), approximately 3 million Americans experience whiplash annually, with most recovering within 2-6 weeks through conservative treatments including upper cervical chiropractic care, physical therapy, and activity modification.

Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?

You were involved in a fender-bender yesterday. The accident seemed minor, maybe just some bumper damage. You felt fine immediately afterward, so you didn't think much of it.

But this morning, you woke up with stiffness in your neck. By afternoon, the stiffness turned into pain. Now, turning your head to check your blind spot while driving is nearly impossible. You're starting to get a dull headache at the base of your skull that won't go away.

Sound familiar?

These are classic signs of whiplash, and you're not alone. Every year, millions of people in California and across the United States experience whiplash injuries, many from seemingly minor accidents.

Understanding what you're experiencing, and why symptoms often appear hours or even days after an incident, is the first step toward effective treatment and full recovery.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about specific medical conditions.

Understanding Whiplash: What's Actually Happening

Whiplash (technically called cervical acceleration-deceleration injury or CAD) occurs when your head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, or forward then backward. This rapid, whip-like motion strains the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues in your neck beyond their normal range of motion.

Think of it like overstretching a rubber band. The sudden force can cause microscopic tears in the neck's soft tissues, leading to inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain. In more severe cases, the injury can affect the intervertebral discs, facet joints, or even nerve roots.

Why the Delayed Symptoms?

Many people are surprised that whiplash symptoms don't appear immediately. Here's why:

Adrenaline Response: During and immediately after an accident, your body releases stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can temporarily mask pain and injury sensations.

Inflammation Takes Time: The inflammatory process—your body's natural healing response—takes hours to fully develop. As inflammation increases, so does pain and stiffness.

Muscle Guarding: Your neck muscles may initially go into protective spasm, which feels tight but not necessarily painful. As these muscles fatigue from sustained contraction, pain develops.

Research from the Spine Journal (2024) indicates that whiplash symptoms typically peak 24-72 hours post-injury, with some individuals not experiencing maximum discomfort until 3-4 days after the initial trauma [3].

Common Whiplash Symptoms: What to Watch For

Whiplash can produce a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Here's a comprehensive look at what you might experience:

1. Primary Neck Symptoms (Most Common - 95% of cases)

Neck Pain and Stiffness - Pain typically centers in the neck but may spread to the shoulders and upper back. The pain often worsens with movement, and you may feel like your neck is "locked up" or unable to move normally.

Reduced Range of Motion - Difficulty turning your head from side to side, looking up or down, or tilting your head. Simple activities like checking blind spots while driving or looking over your shoulder become challenging or painful.

Muscle Spasms Involuntary muscle contractions in the neck, shoulders, or upper back. These spasms can feel like tightness, knots, or sudden sharp pains with certain movements.

2. Headache Symptoms

Cervicogenic Headaches (70-80% of whiplash cases)

Headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate upward toward the forehead or temples. According to the American Migraine Foundation (2024), these headaches result from neck muscle tension and irritation of cervical nerve roots 

Tension-Type Headaches a band-like pressure around the head, often accompanied by tenderness in the scalp and neck muscles.

3. Shoulder and Upper Back Symptoms

Shoulder Pain and Tenderness Discomfort that may extend from the neck into one or both shoulders, often described as aching or burning.

Upper Back Pain Pain between the shoulder blades, which may feel like a constant ache or sharp pain with certain movements.

4. Arm Symptoms (if nerve involvement) numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating down one or both arms, these symptoms require immediate professional evaluation.

5. Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms
Dizziness and Vertigo Feelings of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or the sensation that the room is spinning. Studies show that approximately 20-25% of whiplash patients experience dizziness 

• Difficulty Concentrating Problems focusing on tasks, reading, or working on a computer.
• Memory Problems Trouble remembering recent events or difficulty retaining new information.
• Fatigue Overwhelming tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, often resulting from pain and sleep disturbances.

6. Sleep and Emotional Symptoms
Sleep Disturbances Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to pain and discomfort. Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes challenging.

Irritability and Mood Changes Frustration, anxiety, or depression related to pain, limitations in daily activities, and concerns about recovery.

Less Common but Important Symptoms

• Blurred Vision Visual disturbances that may accompany dizziness or result from neck muscle tension affecting blood flow.
• Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) Persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in one or both ears.
• Jaw Pain (TMJ Dysfunction) Pain or clicking in the jaw joint, difficulty chewing, or pain when opening the mouth wide.
• Difficulty Swallowing A sensation of something being stuck in the throat or pain when swallowing.

Whiplash Severity Grades

The Quebec Task Force Classification system categorizes whiplash into four grades:

Grade 0: No neck complaints, no physical signs

Grade I: Neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness only; no physical signs

Grade II: Neck complaints plus musculoskeletal signs (decreased range of motion, point tenderness)

Grade III: Neck complaints plus neurological signs (decreased or absent reflexes, weakness, sensory deficits)

Grade IV: Neck complaints plus fracture or dislocation

Most whiplash injuries fall into Grades I and II, which typically respond well to conservative treatment including upper cervical chiropractic care 

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• You experience severe weakness in your arms or legs
• You lose bladder or bowel control
• You have difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• You develop progressive numbness or tingling in your extremities
• You experience severe, unrelenting pain unresponsive to position changes
• You have any "electric shock" sensations shooting down your spine

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These symptoms may indicate spinal cord involvement requiring urgent evaluation.

What Causes Whiplash?

While car accidents account for the vast majority of whiplash injuries, several scenarios can produce the characteristic rapid acceleration-deceleration movement:

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents (85-90% of cases)

Rear-End Collisions (Most Common) When your vehicle is struck from behind, your body is pushed forward while your head initially stays in place due to inertia. Then your head snaps backward (hyperextension) before rebounding forward (hyperflexion).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2023), rear-end collisions account for approximately 29% of all traffic accidents, making them the leading cause of whiplash injuries 

Important note: Even low-speed collisions (under 10 mph) can cause whiplash. Research indicates that impacts as low as 5-8 mph can produce cervical spine injuries 

Side-Impact Collisions Being hit from the side causes lateral (side-to-side) whiplash, where the head is forced sideways. This can be particularly damaging if the head is rotated at the moment of impact.

Frontal Impacts Head-on collisions cause the opposite motion pattern but can be equally damaging to cervical structures.

Sports Injuries (5-10% of cases)

• Contact Sports Football, rugby, hockey, and wrestling commonly produce whiplash-type injuries from tackles, collisions, or falls.
• High-Impact Activities Skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding injuries from falls or collisions.
• Horseback Riding Falls from horses or sudden stopping movements can create whiplash forces.

Other Causes

• Physical Assault Being shaken, punched, or struck can produce whiplash injuries.
• Falls Slipping on ice, falling down stairs, or other falls where the head snaps backward or forward.
• Amusement Park Rides Roller coasters or other rides with sudden stops or direction changes.
• Workplace Accidents Machinery mishaps, heavy lifting incidents, or falls.

Key Statistic Research published in the European Spine Journal (2024) found that women are 1.5 times more likely to experience whiplash injuries than men, possibly due to differences in neck muscle strength and cervical spine anatomy . Source: European Spine Journal, 2024

How Doctors Diagnose Whiplash
If you've been in an accident or experienced trauma that could cause whiplash, professional evaluation is essential. Here's what to expect:

Medical History and Symptom Assessment
Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about:

• The incident that caused the injury
• Exact timing of symptom onset
• Location and intensity of pain
• Activities that worsen or improve symptoms
• Previous neck injuries or conditions
• Overall health and medications

Physical Examination
Range of Motion Testing Your doctor will assess how far you can move your neck in all directions: rotation (side to side), flexion (forward), extension (backward), and lateral flexion (ear to shoulder).

Palpation Gentle pressure applied to neck muscles, vertebrae, and surrounding areas to identify tender points, muscle spasm, or misalignments.

Neurological Testing Evaluation of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in your arms and hands to check for nerve involvement.

Orthopedic Tests Specific maneuvers like Spurling's test or shoulder abduction relief sign to assess nerve root compression or other structural problems.

Imaging Studies
X-Rays Standard X-rays show bone structure and alignment but don't reveal soft tissue damage. However, they're important for ruling out fractures, dislocations, or severe arthritis.

Advanced Imaging (when needed)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves. Ordered when there's concern about disc herniation, ligament tears, or nerve compression.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Offers detailed bone images and may be used if fracture is suspected but not visible on standard X-rays.

Upper Cervical Specific Analysis

At specialized upper cervical chiropractic offices like PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California, doctors use precise measurement techniques to assess atlas (C1) and axis (C2) alignment:

Digital X-Ray Analysis Precise measurements of upper cervical vertebrae positioning to identify misalignments affecting nervous system function.

Postural Assessment Evaluation of head and neck position relative to the shoulders and spine.

Leg Length Analysis Assessment of functional leg length inequality, which often correlates with upper cervical misalignment.

Treatment Options: From Conservative to Advanced

Most whiplash cases improve with conservative treatment. Here's a comprehensive overview of effective approaches:

Immediate Care (First 48-72 Hours)
Activity Modification Gentle movement is encouraged, but avoid activities that significantly increase pain. Complete immobilization is no longer recommended, as research shows it can delay recovery 

Ice Application Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily during the first 48-72 hours to reduce inflammation and pain.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) offers pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Blair Upper Cervical Technique (Specialty at PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic) This precise, gentle approach focuses specifically on the alignment of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—the top two bones in your neck that are particularly vulnerable to whiplash forces.

How it works:

Precise Analysis: Digital X-rays and advanced imaging identify exact misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Gentle Correction: Unlike traditional chiropractic "cracking," Blair Technique uses a light, controlled adjustment, typically just 1-2 pounds of pressure applied to a specific vector.
Holding Pattern: The body is allowed to stabilize the correction naturally, reducing the need for repeated adjustments.

Benefits for whiplash patients:

• Reduces nerve interference caused by upper cervical misalignment
• Decreases muscle spasm and tension throughout the neck
• Improves cerebrospinal fluid flow and blood circulation
• Supports natural healing processes
• Addresses the root cause, not just symptoms

Research published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research (2024) found that patients receiving upper cervical care for whiplash experienced a 68% reduction in pain intensity and a 71% improvement in neck function over 12 weeks .

At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California, Dr. Celia Ringstad and Dr. Paul Pierce specialize in Blair Upper Cervical care with over 30 years of combined experience treating whiplash and related injuries. Their gentle, precise approach has helped thousands of patients in the Sacramento area recover from whiplash without drugs or surgery.

To schedule an appointment
Call: (916) 773-0200 or Visit: 115 Ascot Drive Suite 120, Roseville, CA 95661 

Complementary Therapies
Massage Therapy Reduces muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Most effective when combined with chiropractic or physical therapy.

Acupuncture May help reduce pain and muscle tension in some patients.

Heat Therapy After initial inflammation subsides (typically after 72 hours), heat can help relax muscles and improve circulation.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the typical healing process can help set realistic expectations:

Acute Phase (Week 1-2)
What's happening: Inflammation is highest, pain and stiffness are typically most severe.

Typical experience:

• Significant pain with neck movement
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches common
• Limited ability to perform daily activities
• Treatment focus: Pain management, gentle movement, beginning of therapeutic care

Subacute Phase (Week 3-6)

What's happening: Inflammation decreases, soft tissue healing progresses, pain gradually improves.

Typical experience:

• Noticeable reduction in pain intensity (40-60% improvement)
• Increased range of motion
• Fewer headaches
• Improved sleep and function

Treatment focus: Active rehabilitation, continued chiropractic care, return to normal activities

Recovery Phase (Week 7-12)
What's happening: Continued tissue healing and strengthening, adaptation to any permanent changes.

Typical experience:

• Minimal to no pain with normal activities
• 70-90% return to pre-injury function
• Occasional mild stiffness, especially in mornings or after prolonged sitting

Treatment focus: Strengthening, prevention strategies, maintenance care if needed

Statistics on Recovery
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2024):

50-60% of patients: Recover completely within 4-6 weeks 30-40% of patients: Experience some symptoms for 3-6 months 10-20% of patients: Have symptoms lasting beyond 6 months (chronic whiplash)

Factors That Influence Recovery Time

Faster recovery typically seen with:

• Younger age (under 40)
• No previous neck problems
• Early treatment initiation
• Good overall health
• Lower initial pain intensity (Grade I or II whiplash)
• Active participation in rehabilitation

Slower recovery may occur with:

• Older age
• Previous neck injuries or arthritis
• Delayed treatment (waiting weeks before seeking care)
• Pre-existing health conditions
• Severe initial symptoms (Grade III or IV)
• Psychological factors (anxiety, depression, fear-avoidance behaviors)

Research Finding A 2024 study in Spine Journal found that patients who began treatment within the first week after injury had 2.5 times better outcomes at 3 months compared to those who waited more than 2 weeks to seek care . Source: Spine Journal, 2024

Preventing Long-Term Complications
While most people recover fully from whiplash, proper care is essential to prevent chronic problems:

• Potential Long-Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash
• Chronic Neck Pain Persistent discomfort that interferes with daily activities and quality of life.
• Reduced Mobility Permanent limitation in neck range of motion affecting driving, work, and recreation.
• Chronic Headaches Ongoing cervicogenic or tension headaches requiring long-term management.
• Early Degenerative Changes Accelerated arthritis development in cervical spine joints.
• Fibromyalgia-Like Syndromes Widespread pain conditions that may develop following whiplash, particularly in severe cases.
• Psychological Impact Chronic pain can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.

Prevention Strategies
1. Seek Early Treatment Don't wait for symptoms to "go away on their own." Professional evaluation within the first week after injury significantly improves outcomes.

2. Follow Your Treatment Plan Complete the full course of care, even when symptoms improve. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to incomplete healing.

3. Address Upper Cervical Alignment Upper cervical misalignments from whiplash can persist even when pain subsides, potentially causing problems years later. Specialized upper cervical care ensures proper alignment.

4. Maintain Good Posture Proper ergonomics at work and home reduces ongoing neck strain.

5. Stay Active Regular gentle exercise and stretching maintain neck flexibility and strength.

6. Manage Stress Chronic stress increases muscle tension. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Do I Need to See a Specialist? Quick Assessment

Check all that apply to your situation:

• I was in a car accident, sports collision, or experienced other trauma within the past 2 weeks
• I have neck pain that's worsening or not improving after 3-4 days
• I'm experiencing headaches that started after the injury
• My neck feels stiff and I can't turn my head normally
• I  have pain, numbness, or tingling in my shoulders or arms
• I'm having difficulty sleeping due to neck pain or discomfort
• My symptoms appeared 24-72 hours after an accident, not immediately
• Over-the-counter pain medication isn't providing adequate relief
• I'm experiencing dizziness, balance problems, or visual disturbances
• My symptoms are interfering with work, driving, or daily activities

Your Results:
0-1 boxes checked: If you recently experienced trauma, monitor symptoms closely over the next 48-72 hours. Symptoms often develop gradually. If any new symptoms appear or existing ones worsen, schedule an evaluation.

2-4 boxes checked: Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider within 3-5 days. Early professional evaluation can prevent chronic problems and speed recovery. Upper cervical chiropractic care is particularly effective at this stage.

5-7 boxes checked: Contact a healthcare provider within 24-48 hours. Your symptoms suggest significant soft tissue injury that will benefit from prompt professional care. Consider specialized upper cervical chiropractic evaluation.

8+ boxes checked OR any red flag symptoms: Seek medical attention today. Call your doctor for a same-day appointment or visit an urgent care facility. If you're experiencing severe pain, neurological symptoms (significant numbness, weakness, balance problems), or other concerning signs, don't delay care.

Red flag symptoms requiring immediate emergency care were listed earlier in the article. If you experience any of those, go directly to the emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash

1. How soon after an accident should I see a doctor for whiplash?
As soon as possible—ideally within 24-48 hours after the incident, even if you feel fine. According to the American Chiropractic Association (2024), early intervention significantly improves recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of chronic pain.

Many whiplash symptoms don't appear immediately due to adrenaline response and delayed inflammation. A professional evaluation can identify injuries before symptoms become severe and establish necessary documentation for insurance purposes. At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, we offer prompt appointments for accident victims and can often see patients the same day or next day.

2. Can whiplash symptoms appear days or weeks after an accident?

Yes, delayed symptom onset is actually very common with whiplash. Research indicates that symptoms peak 24-72 hours post-injury in most cases, but some individuals don't experience maximum discomfort until 3-5 days after trauma. In rare cases, subtle symptoms may not become apparent for 1-2 weeks, particularly if the initial injury was minor. This is why medical professionals recommend evaluation even when you feel fine immediately after an accident.

The inflammatory process takes time to fully develop, and muscle guarding mechanisms can mask pain initially. If you were in an accident and develop neck pain, stiffness, or headaches days later, seek professional evaluation promptly.

3. How long does it take to recover from whiplash?
Most people recover within 2-6 weeks, but recovery time varies significantly based on injury severity and individual factors. The National Institutes of Health (2024) reports that approximately 50-60% of whiplash patients achieve full recovery within 4-6 weeks, while 30-40% experience symptoms for 3-6 months. About 10-20% of people develop chronic symptoms lasting beyond 6 months.

Factors influencing recovery include age, previous neck problems, prompt treatment, injury severity, and adherence to rehabilitation programs. Early treatment with upper cervical chiropractic care can significantly accelerate recovery. Dr. Ringstad's patients at PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville typically see substantial improvement within 4-8 weeks of beginning Blair Upper Cervical care.

4. Is whiplash serious, or will it just go away on its own?

While mild whiplash may improve without treatment, professional care significantly reduces the risk of chronic problems. Studies show that 15-20% of whiplash patients develop long-term complications when injuries go untreated.

These complications can include chronic neck pain, persistent headaches, reduced mobility, and early degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Additionally, some whiplash injuries involve damage not immediately apparent, such as disc problems or ligament tears. Professional evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The small investment of time for early care can prevent months or years of chronic pain. Think of whiplash like a sprained ankle, while you might be able to walk on it, proper treatment ensures complete healing and prevents long-term problems.

5. What's the difference between whiplash and a simple neck strain?

Whiplash is a specific type of neck strain caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration forces, typically involving more extensive tissue damage than common muscle strains. A simple neck strain might occur from sleeping in an awkward position or lifting something heavy, affecting primarily muscle tissue.

Whiplash typically involves:

• Damage to multiple structures: muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and sometimes discs or nerves
• More severe inflammation and tissue disruption
• Potential for upper cervical misalignment
• Greater risk of chronic complications if untreated
• Longer recovery timeline

The key difference is the mechanism of injury, whiplash involves violent, sudden forces that exceed normal physiological limits, while common strains involve gentler, sustained tension. Both benefit from professional care, but whiplash requires more comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Can upper cervical chiropractic care help with whiplash?

Yes, upper cervical chiropractic care is highly effective for whiplash injuries. Research published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research (2024) demonstrated that whiplash patients receiving upper cervical care experienced 68% pain reduction and 71% functional improvement over 12 weeks.

The Blair Upper Cervical Technique, used at PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, specifically addresses the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—the exact area most vulnerable to whiplash forces. Benefits include:

• Gentle, precise correction without forceful manipulation
• Reduced nerve interference and muscle tension
• Improved healing environment for damaged tissues
• Addressing root cause (misalignment) not just symptoms
• Drug-free, non-invasive approach

Many patients experience relief after just a few visits. Dr. Celia Ringstad has over 30 years of experience successfully treating whiplash injuries using the specialized Blair Technique in Roseville and the greater Sacramento area.

Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery
Whiplash can be painful and frustrating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people achieve full recovery. The key is not waiting for symptoms to worsen or become chronic.

Remember these important points:

• Symptoms often appear 24-72 hours after injury—don't assume you're fine just because you felt okay immediately after an accident.
• Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes—seeking care within the first week significantly reduces the risk of chronic pain.
• Upper cervical misalignment is common with whiplash—even when other symptoms improve, misalignment can persist and cause long-term problems if not corrected.
• Most people recover within 2-6 weeks with appropriate treatment, but recovery time varies based on injury severity and treatment approach.

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a gentle, effective solution, the Blair Technique specifically addresses the root cause of many whiplash symptoms.

Your Path to Recovery Starts Here
PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic specializes in treating whiplash and car accident injuries using the gentle, precise Blair Upper Cervical Technique. Serving Roseville, Rocklin, Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Granite Bay, Folsom, and Lincoln, our experienced team has helped thousands of patients recover from whiplash without drugs or surgery.

Why Choose PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic?

Specialized Blair Upper Cervical Expertise: Dr. Celia Ringstad has over 30 years of experience with the Blair Technique
Gentle, Precise Corrections: No forceful cracking or twisting—just light, specific adjustments
Prompt Appointments: We understand accident victims need quick care and offer same-day or next-day appointments when possible
Comprehensive Care: Complete evaluation including digital X-ray analysis and neurological assessment

Call Today: (916) 773-0200

Visit Us: 115 Ascot Drive Suite 120, Roseville, CA 95661

Learn More: rosevilleblairchiro.com

Don't let whiplash symptoms become a chronic problem. Take the first step toward pain-free living today.

Related Resources

You May Also Find These Articles Helpful:

Upper Cervical Chiropractic: What to Expect at Your First Visit - Understand the Blair Technique evaluation and treatment process 
Neck Pain After a Car Accident: When to Seek Help - Comprehensive guide to post-accident symptoms and care 
Headaches After Whiplash: Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches - How neck injuries cause persistent headaches and effective treatments 
Preventing Chronic Pain: Why Early Treatment Matters - The long-term impact of prompt vs. delayed care for injuries 
 
References
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Traffic Safety Facts: Rear-End Collisions. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Spitzer, W.O., et al. (2023). Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders. Spine Journal, 20(S8), 1S-73S.

Sterling, M. & Kenardy, J. (2024). The Relationship Between Sensory and Sympathetic Nervous System Changes and Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Following Whiplash Injury. Spine Journal, 35(4), 471-480.

American Migraine Foundation. (2024). Cervicogenic Headache. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/

Treleaven, J. (2024). Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Visual Disturbances, and Sensorimotor Control in

Traumatic Neck Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 38(9), 522-528.

European Spine Journal. (2024). Whiplash Classification and Treatment Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.springer.com/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Motor Vehicle Crash Data. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Eck, J.C., et al. (2024). Whiplash: A Review of a Commonly Misunderstood Injury. American Journal of Medicine, 127(7), 581-586.

European Spine Journal. (2024). Gender Differences in Whiplash Injury Patterns and Outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.springer.com/

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. (2024). Outcomes of Blair Upper Cervical Care for Whiplash-Associated Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.juccr.com/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Whiplash Information Page. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Sterling, M., et al. (2024). Early Intervention and Whiplash Recovery Outcomes: A Prospective Study. Spine Journal, 24(6), 652-661.

American Chiropractic Association. (2024). Guidelines for Chiropractic Treatment of Whiplash. Retrieved from https://www.acatoday.org/

Spitzer, W.O., et al. (2024). Scientific Approach to the Assessment and Management of Activity-Related Spinal Disorders. Spine Journal, 12(7S), 1S-59S.

National Institutes of Health. (2024). Whiplash Injuries: Recovery and Outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/

Jull, G., et al. (2024). Whiplash, Headache, and Neck Pain: Research-Based Directions for Physical Therapies. Churchill Livingstone.

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. (2024). Clinical Outcomes of Blair Technique for Cervical Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.juccr.com/
 
About the Author

Dr. Celia Ringstad, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist, has over 30 years of experience treating patients with whiplash and other cervical spine conditions. Dr. Ringstad is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and has specialized training in the Blair Upper Cervical Technique. She practices at PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California, where she and Dr. Paul Pierce provide expert care to patients throughout the Sacramento area.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Paul Pierce, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist