Do You Have Questions About Whiplash After A Car Accident? Keep Reading!
Whiplash is one of the most common (and often misunderstood) injuries following a car accident. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 2 million Americans experience whiplash injuries each year.
At Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center in Ocala, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating whiplash with complete evidence-based care. In this post, the FMCC doctors tackle the top 10 whiplash questions our patients ask.
If you’re searching for expert post-accident care, visit our Ocala Car Accident Doctor page for more details.
What Is Whiplash?
Definition and Causes
Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement, similar to the motion of cracking a whip. It’s most common in rear-end car collisions but can also result from sports injuries or physical trauma.
Whiplash can be very sneaky. You can walk away from an accident feeling fine, only to wake up two days later wondering why you can’t turn your head! 
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed. Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
These symptoms can last from a few days to several months. If you live in Marion County and specifically Ocala, prompt whiplash treatment in Ocala can reduce long-term damage.
Further Reading: What To Do After A Car Accident In Ocala
Can Whiplash Symptoms Be Delayed?
Yes, and it’s more common than you might think. Some symptoms take 24 to 72 hours to appear. That’s why even if you feel okay after the accident, getting checked by a healthcare provider is vital.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, delayed treatment often leads to prolonged recovery.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
At Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center, we combine medical exams, motion assessments, and imaging tools like X-rays and MRIs to diagnose whiplash accurately. Our staff is trained to detect soft tissue injuries often missed in basic ER checkups.
| Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Mild | Days to 3 weeks |
| Moderate | 1 to 3 months |
| Severe | 3+ months or chronic |
Early treatment can cut your recovery time in half. Wondering how long does whiplash last? The answer is “not long if you are in the right hands”
Should I See a Chiropractor or a Medical Doctor?
Why not both? At Fakhoury Medical, we offer integrated care that combines medical evaluations, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Our chiropractors for whiplash in Ocala help realign your spine and relieve pressure while our physicians manage pain and inflammation. 
Can Whiplash Heal Without Treatment?
Sometimes, yes, but do you want to take that risk? Untreated whiplash can lead to:
- Chronic neck pain
- Limited range of motion
- Nerve damage
Does Florida PIP Insurance Cover Whiplash Treatment?
Absolutely!. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, but here’s the kicker: you must seek treatment within 14 days of the accident. We help you navigate paperwork so you can focus on healing.
More details are available from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
What Treatments Do You Offer for Whiplash?
We offer holistic, patient-centered whiplash treatment in Ocala:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Manual therapy
- Physical rehabilitation
- Trigger point injections
- Interventional pain management
Each treatment plan is customized for your pain level, injury type, and lifestyle. And yes, we do accept most insurance plans.
When Should I Make an Appointment?
Ideally? Yesterday.
But seriously, we recommend visiting us within 72 hours after an accident. Early intervention improves recovery speed and strengthens your insurance claim.
Final Word: Don’t Let Whiplash Win
Whiplash may be invisible on the outside, but the pain is all too real. Don’t ignore the signs.
At Fakhoury Medical & Chiropractic Center in Ocala, we combine compassion with cutting-edge treatment to get you back to full mobility quickly.
Been in an accident? Visit our Ocala Car Accident Doctor page or book an appointment today.
Florida’s 14-day PIP clock is ticking. Call us today at (352) 351-3413
