How symptoms can change over the first week
| When | What some people notice |
|---|---|
| First hours | Often little pain. Adrenaline can mask discomfort. |
| 24–48 hours | Stiffness, soreness turning the head, headaches at the base of the skull. |
| First week | Tight shoulders and upper back, trouble getting comfortable at night. |
Everyone is different. Some people have no symptoms at all, and none of this predicts how you will feel.
What the whiplash exam includes
- 01
History
Direction of impact, headrest position, whether you saw it coming, and symptoms since.
- 02
Movement and tenderness
How far and how comfortably your neck turns, tilts and bends.
- 03
Neurological screen
Reflexes, strength and sensation in the arms when appropriate.
- 04
Decision
Chiropractic care, imaging, or a medical referral, explained before anything begins.
Care options we may recommend
Depending on your exam: gentle mobilization or adjustments, soft-tissue work, guided neck and shoulder exercises, and advice for sleep and desk time. We re-check progress and change the plan or refer you when that is the right call.
Day to day while your neck settles
- Ask before using heat or ice, and keep sessions short
- Gentle movement within comfort is often encouraged; don’t push through sharp pain
- Set your car headrest so its middle is level with your ears
- Keep a short symptom log to bring to your visits
Questions we hear from Richardson patients
Should I wear a neck brace?
Ask your provider. Many medical sources favor gentle movement within comfort over immobilizing the neck, but your exam decides what is right for you.
Do I need X-rays for whiplash?
Not always. Imaging depends on your history and exam. If we think you need it, we explain why and refer you.
How long does whiplash last?
It varies widely. We don’t promise timelines. We explain what your exam shows and re-check your progress.
Can whiplash cause headaches?
Some people get headaches near the base of the skull after neck strain. A new or severe headache after a crash needs a medical evaluation first.
General information only, not medical or legal advice. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome is promised. Dr. Hung Manh Cao, D.C. is licensed by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (#199019).
