Whiplash Treatment in Wexford, PA: How Chiropractic Care Can Help After a Car Accident

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident — even at low speeds. Many people walk away feeling “okay,” only to develop neck pain, headaches, stiffness, or dizziness days later.

At Maddigan Chiropractic in Wexford, PA, Dr. Patrick Maddigan, D.C. provides personalized care for patients recovering from whiplash and other auto-related injuries. Early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in recovery time and long-term comfort.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Wexford or the surrounding North Hills area, here’s what you should know.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly forced forward and backward — similar to the cracking of a whip. This rapid motion strains:

• Neck muscles

• Ligaments

• Spinal joints

• Discs

• Nerves

Even minor rear-end collisions in areas like Wexford or Cranberry Township can cause this type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Symptoms may not appear immediately. In many cases, they develop within 24–72 hours after the accident.

Common signs include:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)

• Shoulder or upper back pain

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Tingling or numbness in the arms

If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic discomfort or recurring headaches.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

After an accident, adrenaline can mask pain. You might feel fine at first — but underlying inflammation and joint dysfunction may still be present.

Prompt chiropractic evaluation can:

• Identify restricted or misaligned joints

• Assess soft tissue damage

• Evaluate posture changes

• Reduce inflammation early

• Support proper healing

The sooner motion is restored safely, the lower the risk of long-term stiffness and compensation patterns.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Whiplash Recovery

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal movement and alignment to the spine and surrounding tissues.

Treatment may include:

Gentle Spinal Adjustments

To improve joint mobility and reduce irritation.

Soft Tissue Therapy

To address muscle strain and tension.

Targeted Exercises

To strengthen supporting muscles and improve stability.

Postural Guidance

To prevent lingering strain during daily activities.

Care is tailored to each individual’s injury severity and recovery goals.

Whiplash and Headaches

Many whiplash patients experience headaches that begin at the base of the skull and radiate forward.

These headaches often result from:

• Upper cervical joint dysfunction

• Muscle tightness

• Nerve irritation

By improving cervical spine mobility, chiropractic care may help reduce both the frequency and intensity of these headaches.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash

When whiplash is ignored, it can contribute to:

• Chronic neck pain

• Reduced mobility

• Postural imbalances

• Recurring tension headaches

• Early joint degeneration

Proper care helps support full recovery and reduces the risk of lingering symptoms.

When Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?

You should consider an evaluation if:

• You’ve been in a rear-end collision

• Your neck feels stiff or sore

• You notice headaches after the accident

• You feel reduced mobility

• You were told everything was “normal,” but still feel off

Even low-speed crashes can create significant force on the cervical spine.

Whiplash Treatment in Wexford, PA

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Wexford, Cranberry Township, McCandless, or the surrounding North Hills area, it’s important not to ignore symptoms.

Dr. Patrick Maddigan, D.C. at Maddigan Chiropractic in Wexford, PA provides individualized care focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and supporting long-term spinal health.

To schedule an appointment, visit:
https://www.maddiganchiropractic.com/appointment-scheduling