Whiplash Treatment Stockton CA

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the cervical spine caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. The classic mechanism is a rear-end auto collision, but it also happens in slip-and-fall incidents, sports impacts, and amusement park rides. The injury affects the muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerve tissue of the cervical spine.

What makes whiplash tricky is that symptoms often do not appear immediately. Many patients feel fine for 24 to 72 hours after the accident, then develop neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or dizziness. By the time symptoms appear, inflammation is already established and tissue damage is harder to reverse without proper treatment.

The right approach starts with a thorough examination. We document mechanism of injury, perform chiropractic, neurological, and orthopedic exams, take X-rays if indicated, and coordinate MRI through our partner imaging center when needed. Findings are documented in detail from your first visit.

Treatment typically combines gentle chiropractic adjustments tailored to your stage of recovery, soft tissue work to address muscle guarding and trigger points, therapeutic exercises to restore range of motion and strength, and education on home care. We monitor progress at every visit and adjust the plan as you improve.

Most whiplash patients recover well with consistent chiropractic care. Severity matters: mild cases may resolve in 4 to 8 weeks, while moderate cases can take 3 to 6 months. Severe cases may need specialist coordination, which we handle through our referral network.

Dr. Schlenger has been treating whiplash in Stockton since 1994. We see the full range of severity, from minor rear-end fender benders to high-speed multi-vehicle collisions. We know the documentation that holds up under defense scrutiny and we know how to coordinate with your attorney professionally. Our care plans are based on what your specific case needs, not a one-size-fits-all template.