Recovering from Whiplash: How Chiropractic Care Can Help Heal Your Neck and Prevent Future Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. If you’ve experienced whiplash symptoms, you’re likely dealing with neck pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness that can significantly impact your day-to-day life.

It’s important to be aware of car accident hot spots around Bellevue. We’ve had too many patients contact us after accidents at the following locations:

• The I-405 interchange heading south in Bellevue onto 520 
• The top of the hill going south on 405 heading into Newcastle
• The onramps to I-90 in Factoria and Eastgate where cars are merging

“We had 3 patients in car accidents lately around Bellevue (see above locations) and they have suffered things like not being able to turn their heads, having headaches, having difficulty sleeping, and having vertigo. They were struggling to work, it was hard to lift and use their hands. It was difficult to be at the computer and couldn’t sit in class,” said Dr. Robert Cummins. 

“Thankfully, they have found help at my clinic and they’re back to their normal activities like being back at work and school and able to 

sit at the computer pain-free. All their conditions are improved including back pain, neck pain, vertigo, and headaches. Like most people, they responded very  well to our personalized chiropractic treatments.”   

What is Whiplash and How Does It Affect Your Body?

Whiplash occurs when your neck is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, often due to the force of a car accident. This rapid motion strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, causing inflammation and pain. While neck pain is the most obvious symptom, whiplash can also result in headaches, dizziness, and shoulder pain—sometimes affecting your ability to perform everyday activities.

To prevent whiplash injuries, it’s essential to be proactive, and learning how to avoid accidents around Bellevue can help you stay safe on the road. But if it does occur, it’s important to understand how it may affect you. Whiplash can disrupt the normal alignment of the cervical spine (the neck portion of your spine), which can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications if left untreated. Cummins Chiropractic offers effective, evidence-based treatment that addresses all the symptoms and the underlying causes of whiplash.

How Chiropractic Care at Cummins Chiropractic Helps Heal Whiplash

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for whiplash injuries, focusing on spinal health to promote healing. At Cummins Chiropractic, we use a range of chiropractic techniques designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and accelerate the recovery process:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments – Decrease stiffness and pain 
2. Laser Therapy – Decrease inflammation and muscle spasm 
3. Stretches – Decrease tension
4. Rehabilitation Exercises on the Power Plate – Improve stability quickly

We believe in empowering our patients with the tools to support their healing. We provide tailored rehabilitation exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding your neck and spine. These exercises help restore proper posture, reduce the risk of future injuries, and improve overall spinal health.

Preventing Future Injuries with Chiropractic Care

While immediate relief is important, chiropractic care also focuses on preventing long-term damage caused by whiplash. Left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, restricted mobility, and long-lasting problems like cervical instability. Our approach at Cummins Chiropractic ensures that you not only recover from whiplash but also reduce the risk of future injuries.

After your initial treatment, we will work with you to:

• Improve your posture: Maintaining proper posture helps alleviate strain on your neck, especially for those who sit for long periods or work at a desk.
• Strengthen key muscle groups: A strong neck and upper back provide better support for your spine, reducing the likelihood of re-injury.
• Increase flexibility and mobility: We incorporate gentle stretching and mobility exercises to keep your neck flexible and prevent stiffness.

When Should You Visit Cummins Chiropractic After a Car Accident?

Even if you don’t immediately feel pain after a car accident, it’s important to seek chiropractic care as soon as possible. The symptoms of whiplash can sometimes take days or even weeks to fully manifest, and early intervention can significantly improve your recovery. Read more about what to expect during a session at Cummins.

Signs it’s time to schedule an appointment with Cummins Chiropractic include:

• Neck pain, jaw pain, stiffness, or discomfort
• Frequent headaches, including tension or migraine-style headaches
• Shoulder pain, arm pain or tightness, weakness in hands
• Radiating pain and/or sciatica
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo, or insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Tinnitus
• Muscle spasms

The sooner you visit a chiropractor, the sooner we can begin working to restore proper alignment and start the healing process so you can return to your normal routine. With our comprehensive approach to treatment, there is hope for lasting relief.

Why Choose Cummins Chiropractic for Whiplash Treatment?

At Cummins Chiropractic, we understand that every injury is unique, which is why we provide individualized care to address your specific needs. Our team of experienced chiropractors is dedicated to helping you recover from whiplash injuries using the most researched chiropractic techniques, with the most comprehensive and technologically advanced equipment in Bellevue and we combine that with our compassion for helping our Bellevue community. Dr. Cummins brings over 20 years of experience in chiropractic care, specializing in the treatment of auto injuries, and is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting relief through personalized, evidence-based approaches.

We don’t just focus on alleviating your pain in the short term—we’re committed to helping you achieve long-lasting recovery. Through personalized treatment plans that include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises, we can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and get back to your normal routine. Whether you are hoping to get back to full days working for Amazon, take your kids to Kelsey Creek Farm, or hike Cougar Mountain – we have your end goal in mind! Contact us today to schedule your consultation or call now to start your journey toward recovery.