Whiplash
Whiplash Care in Grand Junction, CO
Whiplash symptoms often arrive a day or two after the collision, which is one reason people wait longer than they should to be checked.
Short answer
Whiplash symptoms often arrive a day or two after the collision, which is one reason people wait longer than they should to be checked.
Understanding
What Whiplash Is
A rapid back-and-forth movement of the head can strain the joints, discs, muscles, and ligaments of the neck, even in a low-speed collision.
Vehicle damage is a poor predictor of injury. What matters is how your neck responded.
Symptoms
What patients commonly describe
Neck stiffness and pain that begin hours or days later
Headaches starting at the base of the skull
Shoulder and upper back tightness
Dizziness, trouble concentrating, or disturbed sleep
Reduced ability to turn the head to check blind spots
Contributors
What can contribute
Rear-end and side-impact collisions
Head position at the moment of impact
Being unaware of the coming impact
Pre-existing neck changes
When to be seen
Signs that warrant prompt evaluation
Severe headache, vision changes, slurred speech, weakness, or loss of consciousness after a collision requires emergency medical evaluation first.
Our approach
How this is evaluated and cared for here
Care follows the examination. Nothing on this page is a treatment recommendation for your case.
Evaluation documents your findings carefully, which matters clinically and for any insurance or legal process that follows.
Digital X-ray is used when indicated. Care is introduced gently at first and progresses as tolerance improves.
Meet your chiropractor
Meet Dr. Dean Younker
Dr. Dean Younker took over Peak Performance in 1997 and has cared for patients in Grand Junction ever since. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City. He is a member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association and the Grand Junction Chiropractor Association.
“Because no two patients are the same, here at Peak Performance, we take the time to listen to each patient. We then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our promise is to help you live your life better.”
FAQ
Common Questions
How soon should I be seen after an accident?
Sooner is better, both for care and for documentation, even when symptoms feel mild at first.
Do you handle auto accident paperwork?
The office can discuss documentation and billing for collision-related care when you call.
Medical disclaimer
This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary from person to person and no outcome is guaranteed. Always speak with a qualified provider about your own situation, and call 911 for a medical emergency.
Next step
You Don't Have to Keep Planning Your Life Around Pain.
If pain is affecting the way you sleep, work, exercise, travel, or spend time with the people you love, it is worth finding out what is going on. Let's start with a conversation.
Engage With Your Life Again.