Restore your mobility and heal properly after a neck injury. Hidden damage from a collision worsens quietly — so we look for what is going on underneath early, before changes become harder to reverse.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Often, yes. A crash can strain the neck's joints and muscles and leave the spine out of alignment, which irritates the nerves that run through it; realigning the neck and restoring healthy movement gives your body the best chance to heal. Get checked early, since symptoms often show up days and even weeks after a crash, and gentle, low-force options are available.
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2026About This Service
Soft tissue damage from a collision often stays hidden, with symptoms delaying their onset for days or even weeks. Ignoring what feels like minor stiffness can lead to chronic pain later.
We evaluate your spine promptly to detect underlying trauma before scar tissue sets in. The earlier we find it, the easier it is to correct.
What We See Most
Tightness that appears days or weeks after the collision.
New head pain beginning at the base of the skull.
Trouble turning your head to check a blind spot.
Radiating pain, numbness or tingling down the arm.
A sense of being off, common after cervical trauma.
Difficulty finding a comfortable position at night.
Our Approach
Emergency room X-rays are looking for fractures, and they do that job well. What they frequently pass over are the soft tissue micro-tears and subtle cervical misalignments that sudden impact creates — the injuries that cause problems months down the road.
Leaving cervical misalignment uncorrected can contribute to accelerated joint degeneration and chronic headaches later in life. Prompt care protects against that. If you have been in a collision, get evaluated even if you feel fine.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Research
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
This chiropractic guideline on neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders suggests multimodal care, combining manual therapy, self-management advice and exercise, for both recent-onset and persistent neck pain.
Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. The Treatment of Neck Pain-Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2016 · guideline.
In 15 trials of acute grade II whiplash, conservative and active treatments were linked to less pain at 6 months and beyond than standard care; evidence quality was low to very low.
Wiangkham T, Duda J, Haque S, et al. The Effectiveness of Conservative Management for Acute Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) II: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. PLoS One, 2015 · systematic review.
This review found supervised exercise programs, such as combined strengthening, range-of-motion and flexibility work, helped persistent neck pain and grade I-II whiplash, though effects were generally small.
Southerst D, Nordin MC, Côté P, et al. Is exercise effective for the management of neck pain and associated disorders or whiplash-associated disorders? A systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Spine J, 2016 · systematic review.
From the Blog
Sore after a car accident? A Loveland chiropractor explains normal seat belt and airbag soreness, the signs that need the ER, and when to get checked.
Read the articleHeadaches after a car accident? A Loveland chiropractor explains which ones come from the neck, which need the ER right away, and when to get checked.
Read the articleRear-ended at a stoplight? A Loveland chiropractor explains why a low-speed rear-end crash can still cause whiplash, and what to watch for after.
Read the articleCommon Questions
Frequently not right away. Adrenaline masks symptoms immediately after a collision, and neck stiffness, headaches and reduced motion often surface days or even weeks later.
Emergency imaging is focused on ruling out fracture. It does not typically identify the soft tissue injury and subtle misalignment that cause ongoing whiplash symptoms.
Yes. Whiplash results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, which can occur even in lower-speed impacts.
Many Colorado auto policies include MedPay, which can apply to treatment after a collision regardless of fault. We can help you understand your coverage.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
$315 value
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.
