Can You Get Whiplash from a Minor Car Accident? Yes

When people hear the word “whiplash,” they often think of severe, high-speed car crashes. Many patients are surprised to discover that whiplash is possible (even common) after low-speed accidents. You might not feel hurt immediately, but hours or days later, symptoms like neck pain or headaches can appear. Understanding how and why whiplash occurs, even in minor accidents, can help you recognize the signs and know when to seek care.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, typically caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement. In car accidents, this often occurs when your vehicle is hit from behind, causing your head and neck to jerk abruptly. The rapid movement can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Why Minor Accidents Still Cause Whiplash

It’s a common myth that you need to be in a high-speed crash to get whiplash. In reality, research shows that even collisions at speeds as low as 5-10 miles per hour can generate enough force to injure the neck.

Your neck is designed to move freely and support the weight of your head, but it isn’t built to withstand sudden, violent forces - even if those forces come from a low-speed impact. This vulnerability means that even minor accidents can result in significant injury.

While seat belts save lives, they restrain your body but not your head, which can snap forward and back with surprising intensity during a collision. If your headrest isn’t properly adjusted, the risk of neck injury increases even more.

Another important factor to remember is that whiplash symptoms often take time to appear. You might feel perfectly fine right after the accident, only to wake up the next day with neck pain, headaches, or dizziness. This delay in symptoms can sometimes lead people to overlook the seriousness of their injury.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull

• Reduced range of motion in the neck

• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain

• Tingling or numbness in the arms

• Fatigue or dizziness

Even if your accident seemed minor, don’t ignore these symptoms. Prompt attention can prevent your injury from worsening.

Why Early Evaluation Is Essential

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, even a “minor” one, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing and treating whiplash injuries. Early intervention can help reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent chronic problems. Chiropractic care offers gentle, drug-free treatment options that can speed your recovery and help you get back to feeling your best.

Get Expert Care for Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Even minor car accidents can have a big impact on your health. Whiplash injuries often occur at low speeds and can lead to lasting discomfort if left untreated. If you notice any symptoms after an accident, listening to your body and seeking professional care is the best way to protect your well-being and prevent ongoing issues.

If you’re experiencing neck pain or stiffness following a car accident, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathryn C. Riley, DC, for a thorough evaluation and personalized whiplash care. Visit our office in Mountain View, California, or call (650) 969-4500 to book an appointment today.