Auto injuries
Whiplash Treatment After a Car Accident in Westminster, CO
Whether pain started right after the accident or in the days or weeks that followed, seek care as soon as possible.
Free consultation when you call (303) 438-1600.
Why get treated if medication helps?
Medication may ease your symptoms, but it will not fully address your injuries. Your spine, muscles, and possibly nerves and ligaments need treatment too.
Does little damage to your car mean you are not hurt?
No. Insurance adjusters may say little damage to your vehicle means you cannot be injured. Research on neck trauma and whiplash has disproven this myth.
“60% of all injured victims in a car accident had spinal joint trauma. The most common joints affected were C5-C6 and C2-C3. These facet joints cause neck pain, shoulder pain as well as mid back pain and headaches.”
Lord SM, Barnsley L, Wallis BJ, Bogduk N. Chronic cervical zygapophysial joint pain after whiplash. Spine 1996;21(15):1737-1745
How injuries occur
How does whiplash happen?
A whiplash injury happens in about 200 milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye.
1. At 0 millisecondsAt impact, the seat begins to move. Your body has not yet moved forward.
2. At 50 millisecondsThe seatback pushes your torso forward and straightens your upper back and neck.
3. At 75 millisecondsYour torso moves forward while your head stays still. The lower neck bends into an S shape, which can damage ligaments and shear the joints.
4. At 150 millisecondsYour head is forced back over the head restraint. Ligaments at the front of the spine can be injured.
5. At 200 millisecondsYour head and torso are thrown forward. Neck muscles and ligaments are overstretched and may tear.
Start treatment now
We guide you from A to Z
Call us and schedule an appointment. Our staff takes care of your worries and guides you through the process, so you can focus on taking care of yourself!
Your care
What your care includes
- Complete examination, consultation and diagnosis of your injuries
- Personal treatment recommendations for you to find relief quickly
- Choice of chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and physical therapy
Service
What it is
Book
Not sure which treatment you need? You get personal recommendations after your exam.
Trained in the science of car accidents
Dr. Peter Ray, D.C., C. Ac.
Dr. Ray completed the Whiplash and Brain Injury Traumatology Program at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego.
It is the only advanced certification program of its kind where medical doctors, chiropractors and personal injury attorneys learn the true science behind automobile accidents.
In practice since 1991.
Professional referrals
We refer you to the appropriate specialist
If your case cannot be helped by our treatment methods, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Our office has many great professional relationships with surrounding medical specialists who refer to us when needed, and vice versa.
Dr. Melissa Coomes, MD
New West Physicians, Broomfield, CO
Dr. Dan Austin, MD
Boulder Medical Center, Louisville, CO
Dr. Mike Iannaotti, MD
Sports physician
FAQ
Questions we hear often
How soon after a car accident should I get checked?
As soon as possible. The longer you delay, the higher the chance your symptoms become permanent.
Can whiplash symptoms show up days later?
Yes. Some people feel pain right after the accident; others develop symptoms in the days or weeks that follow.
What does the first exam include?
Your health history, then a range of motion assessment, a neurologic evaluation and orthopedic testing.
How is whiplash treated here?
You get personal treatment recommendations, with a choice of chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and physical therapy.
Will my car insurance pay for my care?
Your car insurance will cover any care that is medically reasonable. Unless you opted out by signing a form, Medical Payment coverage under your policy helps pay for your care, regardless of who caused the accident.
Colorado law mandates a $5000.00 minimum for each person in your car during the accident.
Schedule your appointment online
Get on the path to recovery
Pick a time below, or call or text (303) 438-1600. Free consultation when you call (303) 438-1600.