Whiplash

Whiplash from auto accidents or falls injures the cervical spine ligaments, muscles, and joint capsules. Symptoms often delay 24–72 hours after impact and can become chronic without proper treatment. SOT chiropractic addresses the full biomechanical picture.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck most commonly caused by rear-end auto collisions. The neck is forced into hyperextension then hyperflexion, straining or tearing the anterior and posterior ligaments, joint capsules, muscle attachments, and intervertebral discs. The impact also transmits forces through the base of the skull, causing cranial distortions that affect the craniosacral system. Delayed-onset symptoms are characteristic — full symptoms may not appear until 24–72 hours post-impact.

Common Symptoms

Neck pain and stiffness worsening 24–72 hours after the accident
Headaches originating at the base of the skull
Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain or numbness
Dizziness, visual disturbances, and ringing in the ears
Jaw pain and difficulty chewing (TMJ involvement)
Cognitive difficulties, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disruption

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Rear-end and side-impact auto collisions
Sports collisions and contact injuries
Falls that jerk the head and neck
Ligament and joint capsule overstretching or tearing
Cranial distortion from the force transmitted through the skull
Disc injury and cervical joint inflammation

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

Dr. Foss uses SOT whiplash protocols that address both the cervical spine and the craniosacral system — two areas critically injured in whiplash but often missed in standard care. Pelvic stabilization is established first (Category I/II), then gentle cervical corrections restore vertebral alignment and joint mobility. Cranial adjusting addresses the temporal, occipital, and sphenoid distortions that cause persistent headaches, tinnitus, and cognitive symptoms. Early intervention is critical — chronic whiplash is far more difficult to resolve than acute injury.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Whiplash?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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