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Whiplash Treatment in Shelby, NC

Whiplash can happen in an instant—but its effects can linger for weeks, months, or even years. If you’ve been in a car accident, experienced a sports injury, or suffered a sudden jolt to your neck, you might be feeling pain, stiffness, headaches, or even numbness down your arms.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we understand how disruptive whiplash can be—and how important it is to address it early. Dr. Luis Lopez provides gentle, effective care to restore proper alignment, reduce inflammation, and help your body heal naturally. With in-house digital X-rays and a full-spine evaluation, you’ll get a treatment plan built around your exact needs.

Whether your injury was recent or happened years ago, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

Cervical Traction

Understanding Whiplash in Shelby, NC

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully whipped backward and then forward—much like the cracking of a whip. This rapid motion can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck, and in some cases, affect the spine or nerves as well.

Most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, whiplash can also result from contact sports, falls, or other sudden impacts. Symptoms may not appear right away, which is why it’s important to get evaluated—even if you “feel fine” immediately after the incident.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we take whiplash seriously. By identifying the underlying tissue damage or misalignment early, we can help you avoid chronic pain and support a faster, more complete recovery.

Symptoms of Whiplash in Shelby, NC

Whiplash symptoms can appear within hours—or take days to show up. Some may seem minor at first but can worsen over time if left untreated.

  • Neck pain or stiffness

  • Limited range of motion

  • Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull

  • Shoulder or upper back pain

  • Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands

  • Dizziness or fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

  • Sensitivity to light or sound

Common signs of whiplash include:

Because whiplash affects both the soft tissues and alignment of the cervical spine, it’s possible to experience both physical and neurological symptoms. Dr. Lopez will work with you to evaluate the full picture and provide treatment that’s tailored to your specific injury.

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What Causes Whiplash?

Whiplash is most often caused by a sudden force that snaps the head backward and forward, overstretching the muscles and ligaments in the neck. While car accidents are the most common cause, other types of trauma can also lead to whiplash—even at low speeds.

Common causes of whiplash include:

• Rear-end auto collisions (even at speeds under 15 mph)

• Contact sports injuries, such as football or boxing

• Physical assault or sudden shaking

• Falls that jolt the head or neck

• Rollercoasters or amusement rides

In many cases, the force of the injury also leads to misalignment of the cervical spine, nerve compression, or joint dysfunction. That’s why it’s so important to get evaluated by a chiropractor trained in identifying these subtle—but significant—structural changes.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Lopez uses in-house digital X-rays and hands-on evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan that supports full healing—not just symptom relief.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Whiplash in Shelby, NC

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to treat whiplash—because it addresses both the structural misalignments and the soft tissue damage that result from the injury. Rather than masking the symptoms with medication, chiropractic helps your body heal naturally from the inside out.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez takes a targeted, gentle approach to whiplash recovery by:

• Restoring proper alignment to the cervical spine

• Reducing inflammation and muscle tension

• Relieving nerve pressure that may cause radiating pain or numbness

• Improving mobility and range of motion in the neck

• Supporting long-term spinal health and stability

Each treatment plan is guided by in-house digital X-rays and tailored to your exact needs. Whether your whiplash is new or lingering from an old accident, chiropractic care can help you heal more completely and get back to living without constant discomfort.

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Our Approach at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC

At Lopez Chiropractic, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to whiplash. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation and care plan based on their spinal alignment, injury history, and long-term health goals.

Dr. Lopez will take the time to listen to your concerns and understand how your symptoms—such as pain, stiffness, or radiating discomfort—are impacting your daily life.

Detailed Health History

We perform hands-on testing and movement evaluations to identify joint restrictions, muscular imbalances, or postural issues related to the injury.

Full-Spine Assessment

Our advanced imaging system captures clear, low-radiation images to detect misalignments or tissue damage with precision and clarity.

In-House Digital X-Rays

We proudly serve the Shelby community en inglés y español, so you always feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your care.

Bilingual Support

Once we understand what’s causing your pain, Dr. Lopez will recommend a custom treatment plan using the most appropriate techniques and therapies for your recovery.

Therapies We May Recommend

At Lopez Chiropractic, we treat whiplash with more than just adjustments. Dr. Lopez may recommend a combination of therapies designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and support long-term healing—based on your unique symptoms and spinal findings.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Realign spinal joints—particularly in the cervical spine—to reduce nerve irritation, improve movement, and relieve pain.

  • Graston Technique: Break down scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions using specialized tools that help restore flexibility and reduce inflammation.

  • Mechanical Traction: Gently stretch the spine to relieve disc pressure, decompress affected joints, and support spinal alignment.

  • Electric Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim): Relax tight muscles, reduce spasms, and decrease inflammation in the neck and upper back.

  • Heat or Ice Therapy: Apply targeted warmth or cold to calm inflamed tissues, ease pain, and promote circulation.

  • Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthen supportive muscles, improve posture, and increase range of motion to help prevent future flare-ups.

These therapies are selected specifically for you—not just based on symptoms, but on what’s actually happening inside your body.

Treatment at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC

Whiplash doesn’t just happen in high-speed car accidents. It can affect anyone who experiences a sudden, forceful motion of the head and neck—often in situations where the injury isn’t immediately obvious.plaints we see at Lopez Chiropractic, and it often develops from habits and activities we don’t even think about.

Who Gets Whiplash in Shelby, NC?

• Drivers and passengers in auto accidents, even at low speeds

• Athletes in contact sports like football, soccer, or martial arts

• Workers injured by falls, lifting accidents, or equipment strain

• Teens and adults on amusement rides or during recreational trauma

• Seniors with reduced flexibility or spinal degeneration

• Women, who may be more susceptible due to smaller neck structures

• Survivors of domestic violence, where physical assault

Whiplash is especially common among:

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we approach every case with compassion, discretion, and respect. If you’re experiencing lingering neck pain, stiffness, or headaches after a traumatic event, you deserve to be heard—and to receive care that helps you heal, both physically and emotionally.

Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic for Whiplash in Shelby, NC

Whiplash may start as a neck injury—but without the right care, it can lead to long-term complications that affect your posture, mobility, and quality of life. Chiropractic care helps prevent those issues by restoring alignment, improving nervous system function, and supporting your body’s natural healing process.

Long-term benefits of chiropractic care for whiplash may include:

• Reduced neck and shoulder pain

• Fewer headaches or migraines

• Improved range of motion and flexibility

• Better posture and spinal alignment

• Less reliance on pain medication

• Improved energy, sleep, and daily comfort

• Lower risk of developing chronic pain conditions

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, our goal isn’t just to relieve your symptoms—it’s to help you recover fully and stay well for the long haul.

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Whiplash FAQs

  • Mild cases of whiplash may improve over time, but many injuries involve deeper tissue damage or spinal misalignment that won’t fully heal without treatment. Ignoring symptoms can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term complications.

  • Ideally, you should be evaluated as soon as possible—even if you’re not in pain yet. Whiplash symptoms can be delayed, and early care helps prevent small issues from turning into long-term problems.

  • Yes. Chiropractic care is gentle, targeted, and always tailored to your condition. Dr. Lopez uses digital X-rays and hands-on testing to ensure that each adjustment is appropriate and safe for your specific injury.

  • It’s never too late to seek care. Many patients come to us months—or even years—after an accident, still struggling with stiffness, headaches, or pain. Chiropractic care can often help restore function and provide relief, even long after the injury.

  • Yes. At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, every new patient receives in-house digital X-rays as part of the evaluation. This allows us to clearly see what’s going on inside your spine and create a treatment plan that’s both safe and effective.

Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in Shelby, NC

If neck pain, headaches, or stiffness from whiplash are disrupting your life, it’s time to take the next step. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez offers thorough evaluations—including in-house digital X-rays—and personalized care designed to relieve pain and restore healthy movement.

Whether your injury is recent, ongoing, or something you’ve been managing for years, we’re here to help you heal naturally—without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your chiropractic evaluation today.