Understanding whiplash and neck strain

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head — most often during a rear-end auto accident. That rapid motion overstretches the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, which is why doctors sometimes call it a whiplash-associated neck injury or, more simply, a neck strain. Even a low-speed collision can cause it, and symptoms may not show up until a day or two later.

Common signs include neck pain and stiffness, headaches that start at the base of the skull, reduced range of motion, tightness across the shoulders, and dizziness or fatigue. Because these symptoms can build slowly and linger, it’s worth having your neck evaluated soon after an accident rather than waiting to see if it settles.

How Briggs Chiropractic & Physical Therapy treats whiplash

Our care for whiplash and neck strain is non-surgical, drug-free, and evidence-based. We begin with a careful examination to understand exactly how your neck was injured and which tissues are involved. From there, Dr. Keith A. Briggs — a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist and certified chiropractic sports physician — builds a plan tailored to your recovery.

Treatment often combines several approaches so your neck heals fully, not just temporarily:

  • Chiropractic adjustments and advanced spinal correction to gently restore proper alignment and movement to the neck.
  • Class IV laser therapy, a drug-free treatment that helps reduce inflammation and speed the body’s natural healing.
  • One-on-one physical therapy and rehabilitation with our three physical therapists, using exercise and spinal rehabilitation, spinal biomechanics work, intersegmental traction, therapeutic ultrasound, and massage.

Because whiplash frequently follows a car accident, we handle personal-injury cases and work with your insurance. We accept most plans, including Medicare and workers’ compensation.

For more than 26 years, patients across Saugus and the North Shore have trusted our team for attentive, one-on-one care. If your neck hasn’t been right since an accident, call 781-233-4122 to get started.