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Whiplash Treatment in St. Louis
Get checked after any car accident, even if you feel fine — whiplash symptoms often appear hours or days later. You'll be seen first by a medical doctor for a comprehensive evaluation, and West End Chiropractic & Rehab Center in St. Louis' Central West End treats whiplash with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation and acupuncture, documents your injuries for insurance claims, and can coordinate with your attorney. Same-day appointments are often available. Call (314) 361-4650.
Whiplash happens when the head is thrown forward and back suddenly, straining the muscles, ligaments, discs and joints of the neck. It is one of the most common injuries after a rear-end collision — even at low speeds. Because adrenaline masks pain right after a crash, many people do not realize they are hurt until the next morning or later in the week.
If you were in an accident, our car accident injury care page explains the full process from first visit to case closure.
Whiplash Symptoms — and Why They Can Show Up Late
Symptoms can appear right away, or hours to days after the accident. Watch for:
- Neck pain and stiffness, or trouble turning your head
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Shoulder, upper back or arm pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Dizziness, fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Low back pain or sciatica after the crash
Waiting to get checked can make recovery harder and can also make it harder to connect your injury to the accident in a claim. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for severe pain, loss of consciousness, confusion, or weakness after a crash.
Who Should Get a Whiplash Exam
- Anyone in a car, truck or rideshare accident — even a "minor" fender bender
- People who were released from the ER but still feel sore days later
- Anyone with headaches, neck pain or arm symptoms that started after a collision
- People who need their injuries documented for an insurance claim or attorney
How We Treat Whiplash
Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle adjustments may restore neck motion and reduce joint irritation without medication.
Spinal Rehabilitation
Guided exercises in our on-site rehab center help rebuild neck and upper back strength.
Acupuncture
Dr. Gerdine is certified in acupuncture, which many patients use for muscle tension and pain.
Spinal Decompression
For accident-related disc injuries and pinched nerves causing arm or leg symptoms.
Shockwave Therapy
D.A.R.T. therapy for stubborn shoulder and soft-tissue pain after a collision.
Personal Injury Care
Clear records of your exam, findings and progress to support your claim.
What to Expect After a Car Accident
- Same-day visit. Same-day appointments are often available, and walk-ins are welcome during office hours.
- Medical doctor evaluation first. Car accident patients are seen first by a medical doctor for a comprehensive evaluation that records how the accident happened, your symptoms and the exam findings. X-rays and MRIs, when needed, are performed at a local imaging center or hospital.
- Documentation. Your injuries and progress are documented throughout care for insurance and legal purposes.
- Attorney coordination. If you have a lawyer, we can work with their office on records and case updates.
- Treatment plan. A personalized plan aimed at relief and a full return to normal activity.
Whiplash Care Options Compared
| Chiropractic + rehab (our approach) | Hands-on, drug-free care plus exercise, with injury documentation for your claim. |
|---|---|
| Rest and pain medication only | May ease symptoms short-term but does not restore motion, and creates little record of the injury. |
| Emergency room | The right first stop for serious injuries; ER visits generally focus on ruling out emergencies, not ongoing soft-tissue care. |
Why Accident Patients Choose West End Chiropractic
- 26+ years of experience; serving the community since 2000
- Accepts personal injury and auto accident cases
- Same-day appointments often available; no referral needed
- Central West End office near Midtown, Forest Park, University City and Clayton
Learn more on our car accident page, our neck and back pain page, all services, or about Dr. Gerdine. Knee hurt from the dashboard? See knee pain treatment.
Whiplash FAQs
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident if I feel fine?
Yes, it is a good idea to get checked even if you feel fine. Whiplash symptoms often appear hours or days after a crash, once adrenaline wears off. An early exam also creates a record that links your injuries to the accident.
How long after a car accident can whiplash symptoms appear?
Whiplash symptoms can show up right away or appear hours to several days after an accident. Many people first notice stiffness or headaches the next morning. Get evaluated as soon as you notice any neck pain, headache or arm symptoms.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Healing time varies with the severity of the injury and how soon care begins. Some patients improve within a few weeks, while others need a longer plan. Dr. Gerdine gives you a realistic timeline after your exam.
How many chiropractic visits will I need for whiplash?
The number of visits depends on your injuries and how you respond to care. Dr. Gerdine sets a schedule after your exam and adjusts it as you improve. Your progress is documented at each stage.
Does whiplash treatment hurt?
Most patients find whiplash treatment comfortable. Adjustments and exercises are gentle and adapted to a recently injured neck. Some people feel mild soreness for a day as muscles start working again.
Will insurance cover chiropractic care after a car accident?
West End Chiropractic accepts personal injury and auto accident cases. The office is otherwise primarily cash-based. Call (314) 361-4650 to talk through your claim and payment before your first visit.
Can you work with my car accident attorney?
Yes. West End Chiropractic documents your injuries and treatment for insurance claims and can coordinate with your attorney's office. Let the front desk know who is representing you when you call.
Can I get a same-day appointment for whiplash?
Yes, same-day appointments are often available, and walk-ins are welcome during office hours. Calling ahead helps reduce your wait. Call (314) 361-4650 or book online.
Hear From Our Patients
Hurt in a Car Accident? Get Checked Today.
Same-day appointments are often available. We'll evaluate your injuries, document everything and start your recovery.