Whiplash & auto injuries. The ones that don't hurt until Thursday.

A rear-end collision whips the head backward and forward faster than the neck muscles can respond. Even at parking-lot speeds, that strains the joints, ligaments and discs of the neck. Many people feel fine at the scene and wake up stiff two or three days later. Getting examined early, before scar tissue sets the pattern, matters.

Call (715) 748-4433 Get directions
Your first visit
  • History and hands-on exam first
  • X-ray on site, only when the exam calls for it
  • A plain-language explanation and a plan, or a referral

What to expect →

Sound familiar?

What whiplash usually feels like.

  • Neck pain and stiffness developing hours or days after a collision
  • Headaches starting at the base of the skull
  • Pain or tightness between the shoulder blades
  • Dizziness, trouble concentrating or feeling 'foggy'
  • Jaw pain or clicking
  • Tingling into the arms or hands

What's usually going on

The mechanics behind it.

In a rear-end collision the body is pushed forward by the seat while the head lags, then whips forward. The joints at the back of the neck get compressed, the ligaments in front get stretched, and the small stabilizing muscles get strained. The initial adrenaline hides it. Over the next few days the inflammation builds and the muscles lock down to protect the area, which is when it starts to hurt.

Left alone, the protective muscle spasm becomes the new normal and the restricted joints start to wear. Treated early, the joints are kept moving, the inflammation is managed, and the neck recovers its range. We also document everything, which matters for your auto insurance claim. Most Wisconsin auto policies carry medical payments coverage, and chiropractic care after a collision is commonly covered under it.

How we treat it at Borealis

Find the cause. Treat it. Keep it from coming back.

1

Find the cause

A detailed account of the collision, a neurological and orthopedic exam of the neck and upper back, concussion screening, and X-rays on site to assess alignment and rule out fracture when the mechanism warrants it.

2

Treat it

Gentle mobilization early, progressing to specific adjusting as the acute phase settles. Cold laser for inflammation, soft-tissue work for the muscle guarding, and rehab to restore the deep neck stabilizers.

3

Document and recover

We handle the paperwork for your auto claim and coordinate with your attorney if you have one. Care continues until your range and function are back, with a defined re-evaluation point.

Services involved ChiropracticMLS cold laserMassage therapyPhysiotherapy & rehab

Questions

What people ask about whiplash & auto injuries.

Don't see yours? Call and ask. The front desk will get you an answer or put you through to a doctor.

I feel fine after my accident. Should I still come in?
Yes, ideally within the first few days. Symptoms commonly appear 24 to 72 hours later, and an early exam creates a record of your condition close to the event, which matters if symptoms develop.
Who pays?
Auto insurance medical payments coverage typically covers chiropractic care after a collision, regardless of fault. Bring your claim number and the front desk will walk you through billing.
Do I need a lawyer?
That's your call. We work with patients with and without attorneys and provide the same documentation either way.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Mild cases, a few weeks. Moderate cases, two to three months. It depends on the forces involved and how soon care starts. Your doctor gives you a timeline after the exam.

Describe it. We'll figure out the rest.

Call and talk to Dawn at the front desk, or walk in Monday through Thursday. You'll leave your first visit knowing what's going on.

Call (715) 748-4433 Get directions