Finding the Right Whiplash Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

That dull ache in your neck. The headaches that won't quit. The frustrating brain fog that clouds your day. After a car accident, these aren't just minor pains—they're classic signs of whiplash. The real problem isn't just the symptoms; it's the potential spinal misalignment causing them. Simply waiting for it to go away can lead to chronic issues. To get real, lasting relief, you need an expert diagnosis. Finding the right whiplash chiropractor Ann Arbor means choosing a specialist who uses precise, data-driven methods to pinpoint the root cause and create a truly effective recovery plan.

Key Takeaways

• Specialized Care is Non-Negotiable: Ensure your chiropractor has advanced training in auto injuries and uses diagnostic technology like neurological scans. This expertise is essential for identifying and treating the root cause of whiplash, not just the symptoms.
• Seek a Comprehensive and Gentle Treatment Plan: The right approach to whiplash combines precise, low-force adjustments with therapies that heal soft tissues and a personalized exercise plan to ensure long-term stability.
• A Thorough First Visit Is a Must: Expect your initial appointment to be a deep dive into your condition, using both a detailed conversation and advanced scans to get a full picture. A clear, data-driven plan from day one is a sign you're in the right place.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is more than just a sore neck. It’s a specific type of injury that occurs when your head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, much like the motion of a cracking whip. This rapid movement can stretch and damage the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in your neck. While it’s most famously associated with rear-end car accidents, it’s not the only cause. This type of injury can also result from contact sports, physical altercations, or even a sudden fall. The force is enough to push the structures of your neck beyond their normal range of motion, leading to a cascade of potential issues that can affect your entire body if not addressed correctly.

The Mechanics of a Whiplash Injury

Imagine your head, which weighs about as much as a bowling ball, sitting atop the delicate and flexible structure of your neck. During a sudden impact, like a car crash, your body is jolted forward, but your head lags behind for a split second before being whipped forward. This creates an unnatural S-shaped curve in your spine, straining the ligaments and muscles. The subsequent rebound motion snaps your head back, causing even more stress. This violent back-and-forth can misalign the vertebrae in your neck, irritate nerves, and damage the soft tissues that provide stability, leading to pain and dysfunction that requires specialized care.

Common Causes of Whiplash

Rear-end car collisions are the most frequent cause of whiplash, but they are far from the only one. Any event that causes a sudden jolt to the head and neck can result in this type of injury. Athletes in contact sports like football or hockey are at risk, as are individuals who experience a significant fall. Even amusement park rides or a sudden blow to the head can generate enough force to cause whiplash. Because the circumstances can vary so widely, it's important to consider the possibility of whiplash after any significant physical trauma, especially if you've been in an auto accident, no matter how minor it seemed at the time.

Risk Factors for More Serious Injury

Not every jolt results in a severe injury, as certain factors can increase your risk of a more serious case of whiplash. For instance, having your car's headrest positioned too low can allow your head to snap back further during a collision, increasing the potential for damage. Older individuals or those with pre-existing neck conditions like arthritis may also be more susceptible to injury. Even your awareness of the impending impact plays a role; being caught by surprise means your muscles don't have time to tense up and protect your neck, which can lead to a more significant injury.

Symptoms to Watch For

The signs of whiplash can be varied and sometimes confusing, appearing immediately after an incident or taking days, weeks, or even months to fully develop. This delayed onset is one of the biggest reasons people don't seek care right away. Recognizing the wide range of symptoms is the first step toward getting the help you need. It’s not just about neck pain; whiplash can impact your nervous system, leading to symptoms you might not immediately connect to the injury. Paying close attention to how your body feels in the aftermath of an accident is crucial for a timely and effective recovery.

Pain and Stiffness

The most classic and recognizable symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck. You might find it difficult to turn your head from side to side or to look up and down. This pain isn't always confined to the neck, either. It can often radiate into your shoulders, upper back, and even down your arms. This discomfort is your body's way of signaling that the muscles and ligaments have been stretched or torn. Ignoring this initial pain can lead to chronic issues, so it's important to treat it as a serious warning sign that something is wrong and needs professional attention.

Neurological Symptoms

Because whiplash can affect the nerves in and around your spine, it often produces neurological symptoms that go beyond simple muscle pain. You might experience persistent headaches, especially at the base of your skull, or feelings of dizziness and vertigo. Some people report brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or even blurred vision. A tingling or numb sensation in your arms or hands is another red flag, indicating potential nerve irritation or damage. These symptoms are a clear sign that the injury has impacted your nervous system, and they require a thorough diagnostic assessment to uncover the root cause.

Delayed Onset of Symptoms

One of the most deceptive aspects of whiplash is that you might feel perfectly fine immediately after an accident. The adrenaline from the event can mask pain, and it can take time for inflammation to build up in the injured tissues. Many people in Ann Arbor dismiss their accident as minor, only to find themselves dealing with chronic headaches, neck pain, or fatigue weeks later. This delay often causes people to disconnect their symptoms from the original incident, preventing them from seeking the right care. It’s a critical reminder to get checked out by a specialist after any potential whiplash-inducing event, even if you don't feel pain right away.

The Physical Impact of Whiplash

The rapid back-and-forth motion of a whiplash injury does more than just strain a few muscles; it can cause significant structural and neurological damage. The force can be strong enough to shift the vertebrae in your spine out of their proper alignment, a condition known as a subluxation. This misalignment can, in turn, put pressure on the delicate nerves that exit the spinal cord, disrupting the communication between your brain and the rest of your body. The soft tissues, including the discs that cushion your vertebrae, can also be damaged, potentially leading to bulging or herniated discs. Understanding this physical impact is key to appreciating why a comprehensive treatment approach is so necessary.

How Whiplash Damages Your Spine, Nerves, and Tissues

During a whiplash event, the violent motion can cause a cascade of damage. The ligaments that hold your vertebrae together can be stretched or torn, leading to instability in your neck. The muscles may suffer micro-tears, resulting in pain, inflammation, and scar tissue. This instability and inflammation can put direct pressure on spinal nerves, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. The intervertebral discs can also be compressed and damaged, affecting their ability to absorb shock. These interconnected injuries create a complex problem that affects the entire structure of your neck and can have far-reaching consequences for your overall health and well-being.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash

If whiplash isn't treated properly, the initial damage can lead to a host of chronic problems. Misaligned vertebrae can cause ongoing nerve irritation, resulting in chronic headaches, migraines, or even vertigo. The scar tissue that forms in damaged muscles can limit your range of motion permanently, causing long-term stiffness and pain. Over time, the instability in the spine can accelerate degenerative changes like arthritis. Many of the chronic conditions we help with, such as fibromyalgia and chronic neck pain, can sometimes be traced back to an old, untreated injury. Seeking proper care promptly is the best way to prevent a short-term injury from becoming a lifelong problem.

Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash

Getting the right diagnosis is the most critical step toward recovering from whiplash. Because the injury can involve bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments, a surface-level examination isn't enough. A thorough evaluation should pinpoint exactly which structures were damaged and how that damage is affecting your overall function. This is where different healthcare approaches can vary significantly. While some methods focus on managing the immediate symptoms, a more comprehensive approach aims to identify and correct the underlying structural problems to provide lasting relief and prevent long-term complications. Your path to recovery depends heavily on the accuracy and depth of this initial diagnosis.

The Medical Approach to Diagnosis

When you visit a medical doctor or an emergency room after an accident, the primary goal is to rule out life-threatening injuries like fractures or dislocations. The diagnostic process typically involves a physical exam where the doctor assesses your range of motion and checks for tenderness. They will ask you about the accident and your symptoms. In some cases, they may order imaging tests like X-rays to check the bones in your neck. While this approach is essential for identifying immediate, severe trauma, it may not always detect the more subtle soft tissue injuries or spinal misalignments that are common in whiplash.

Common Medical Treatments

Once serious injuries are ruled out, the standard medical treatment for whiplash often focuses on symptom management. You might be advised to rest for a day or two and then gradually return to your normal activities. Applying ice or heat packs to your neck for 15-minute intervals can help reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants are also commonly recommended to manage discomfort. While these treatments can provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying biomechanical issues, such as vertebral misalignments or nerve irritation, that may have been caused by the injury.

The Chiropractic Approach to Finding the Root Cause

A chiropractic approach, particularly one focused on the upper cervical spine, goes deeper to find the source of your pain. At Lazar Spinal Care, we start with a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis to understand the full extent of the injury. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans, to get a precise picture of your spinal alignment and nervous system function. This allows us to see exactly how the whiplash injury has affected your body. Based on this detailed data, we create a personalized treatment plan using gentle, specific techniques to correct the underlying structural shifts, restore proper function, and help your body heal for lasting results.

What Makes a Great Whiplash Chiropractor?

After a car accident, finding the right support for your recovery is everything. Whiplash is a complex injury that goes far beyond a simple stiff neck, and not all chiropractic care is created equal. To get the best results, you need a chiropractor who truly understands the nuances of auto injuries. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to look for to ensure you’re in capable hands.

Do They Have the Right Qualifications?

First things first, let's cover the basics. Any chiropractor you consider should have completed a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program from an accredited institution. This is the fundamental educational requirement that ensures they can provide safe and effective care. Think of it as the non-negotiable entry ticket. Beyond the degree, they should also be licensed to practice in Michigan. You can usually find this information on their website or by simply asking the front desk. Vetting these qualifications is a simple first step that gives you peace of mind knowing you're working with a true professional team.

Do They Specialize in Auto Injuries?

A general D.C. degree is essential, but for an injury as specific as whiplash, you want someone with advanced training. Look for chiropractors who have pursued post-graduate certifications in auto injuries, such as a Certificate of Competency in Advanced Whiplash and Brain Traumatology. This specialized training shows a deep commitment to understanding the complex biomechanics of a crash and its effect on your spine and nervous system. A chiropractor with this background knows how to identify and treat the subtle but serious damage that can occur, ensuring your auto accident recovery is handled with the highest level of expertise.

Proven Results for Whiplash Recovery

When you're in pain after an accident, you need more than just promises—you need proof of results. Chiropractic care offers exactly that for whiplash recovery. In fact, research has shown that an impressive 93% of whiplash patients report significant improvement after receiving chiropractic treatment, especially when other methods like pain medication or neck collars have failed. This high success rate isn't magic; it's because specialized chiropractic care focuses on addressing the root cause of your pain. Instead of just masking symptoms, gentle and precise adjustments correct the underlying spinal misalignments and nerve irritation from the injury. This approach is why so many people are able to fully recover from auto injuries and get back to their lives without depending on medication or invasive procedures.

What Diagnostic Technology Do They Use?

Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. A great whiplash chiropractor won't guess about your health; they'll use objective data to see exactly what's going on. Before any adjustments are made, you should expect a thorough assessment that includes advanced diagnostic tools. This might involve digital X-rays to check for spinal instability or other serious issues. At Lazar Spinal Care, we also use tools like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans to get a complete picture of your condition. This detailed analysis allows us to pinpoint the root cause of your pain and create a truly personalized care plan.

Look for Gentle, Precise Care

The thought of a forceful adjustment can be intimidating, especially when you're already in pain from whiplash. That's why the chiropractor's technique matters so much. Look for a practitioner who specializes in gentle, precise treatment methods that don't involve any harsh twisting, popping, or cracking. Techniques like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) focus on correcting misalignments with a light touch, which is ideal for a sensitive post-injury body. This approach is not only more comfortable but also incredibly effective at restoring balance to the nervous system and promoting long-term healing without adding further stress to your neck and spine.

How Will a Chiropractor Treat Your Whiplash?

After a car accident, the sudden jolt can leave you with a stiff, painful neck and a host of other confusing symptoms. This is the reality of whiplash, an injury that goes far beyond simple muscle strain. It can misalign the delicate vertebrae in your neck, damage surrounding soft tissues, and disrupt your nervous system. The good news is that chiropractic care offers a path to recovery that addresses these root issues without relying on medication.

A skilled whiplash chiropractor uses a combination of techniques to gently restore alignment, soothe damaged tissues, and help your body heal itself. The goal isn't just to mask the pain but to correct the underlying structural and neurological problems caused by the injury. From precise spinal adjustments to advanced healing technologies, your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to what your body needs. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re not just getting temporary relief but are building a foundation for lasting recovery and a return to normal life. Let’s walk through some of the most effective treatments you can expect.

Gentle Spinal and Neck Adjustments

The violent force of a whiplash injury often misaligns the top two vertebrae in your neck, known as the upper cervical spine. This area is critical because it protects the brainstem, which controls countless bodily functions. A misalignment here can put pressure on nerves, leading to headaches, dizziness, neck pain, and more. Using gentle and precise methods like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3), a chiropractor can correct this misalignment. This isn't about forceful cracking or twisting; it's a specific technique designed to restore your body's balance, relieve nerve pressure, and allow your body to function and heal properly.

Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3)

When you hear "chiropractor," you might picture twisting and popping, but that’s not what modern, specialized care looks like. Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) is an advanced technique that relies on a gentle and precise touch to correct spinal misalignments. It’s particularly effective for whiplash because it avoids any forceful manipulation of an already sensitive neck. Instead, the focus is on restoring the body's balance from the top down. By making specific, light-force corrections to the upper cervical spine, this method encourages your entire body to decompress and realign itself naturally, promoting healing without causing additional stress or discomfort.

The goal of Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) is to restore proper communication between your brain and body, which is often disrupted after a whiplash injury. A misalignment at the top of the neck can put pressure on the brainstem and critical nerves, leading to symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and dizziness. By correcting this foundational issue, we can relieve that pressure and allow your nervous system to function optimally again. This approach doesn’t just chase symptoms; it addresses the root cause of the problem, setting the stage for long-term stability and a complete recovery.

Healing Muscles with Soft Tissue Therapy

Whiplash doesn't just impact your bones; it also strains and tears the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in your neck and upper back. This damage is what causes the intense stiffness, spasms, and pain you feel. Soft tissue therapies are designed to address this directly. Techniques like myofascial release work to break up scar tissue and relieve tension in the muscle fibers and fascia. By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in these tissues, these therapies can significantly decrease your pain levels and improve your range of motion, making them a crucial part of recovering from auto accidents.

Using Advanced Tech to Speed Up Healing

Modern chiropractic care incorporates advanced technology to speed up your body's natural healing processes. Treatments like Class IV Laser Therapy and Tissue Regenerative Technology (TRT) are game-changers for whiplash recovery. These non-invasive therapies use specific light or energy waves to penetrate deep into damaged tissues at the cellular level. This process helps reduce inflammation, alleviates pain, and accelerates tissue repair without medication or surgery. Using Tissue Regenerative Technology can help you find relief faster and support a more complete and lasting recovery from your injury.

Laser Therapy and Tissue Regenerative Technology

To give your body an extra healing advantage, modern chiropractic care uses advanced tools that work at the cellular level. Therapies like Laser Therapy use focused light to penetrate deep into injured soft tissues, which helps calm inflammation and encourages cells to repair themselves more quickly. It’s a gentle, non-invasive way to get pain relief and accelerate your recovery. Similarly, Tissue Regenerative Technology (TRT) uses energy waves to stimulate blood flow and support the healing of damaged muscles and ligaments. These technologies are powerful because they enhance your body's natural healing abilities, helping you recover more completely from your whiplash injury without medication.

A Custom Rehab Plan Just for You

True recovery extends beyond the treatment room. A key part of your chiropractic care will be a personalized rehabilitation plan featuring specific stretches and exercises. These aren't generic workouts; they are prescribed specifically to strengthen the muscles supporting your neck and spine, improve your flexibility, and restore proper posture. Consistently performing these exercises helps stabilize your spine after adjustments and prevents re-injury. Your chiropractor acts as your partner, guiding you through a plan that empowers you to take an active role in your healing. This comprehensive approach is central to the care journey for all new patients.

How to Choose the Right Whiplash Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

Finding the right partner for your health journey after a whiplash injury is a big decision. You want someone who not only understands the mechanics of your injury but also aligns with your long-term wellness goals. With so many options available, it helps to have a clear checklist. Think about factors like their specific expertise, their approach to care, and what other patients have to say. Taking the time to do this research upfront will help you feel confident and comfortable with the care you receive, setting you on a direct path to recovery.

Research Top-Rated Ann Arbor Clinics

Your search for relief will likely start online. Look for clinics in the Ann Arbor area with consistently high ratings and positive patient feedback. While a five-star rating is a great sign, dig a little deeper. Check out the chiropractor’s qualifications, their years of experience, and any specializations they list. Do they frequently work with auto accident injuries? A chiropractor with a deep understanding of whiplash and its complex effects on the body will be better equipped to create an effective treatment plan for you. Look for a clinic that is transparent about its team and their credentials.

Does Their Approach to Care Fit Your Needs?

Every chiropractor has a unique philosophy. Some focus on general adjustments, while others use specific, advanced techniques to address the root cause of your pain. For whiplash, you want a provider who looks beyond the immediate symptoms. Chiropractic care is highly effective for these injuries because it focuses on the spine and the surrounding nerves and tissues. Look for a clinic that emphasizes a non-surgical, medication-free approach. At Lazar Spinal Care, we use precise, gentle methods like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) to restore your body’s structural balance and promote true healing, not just temporary relief.

Ask About Insurance and Payment Options

Before you book your first appointment, it’s smart to get a clear picture of the financial side of things. Navigating insurance can be tricky, especially after a car accident. Call the office and ask which insurance plans they accept and if they handle auto insurance claims directly. A good clinic will be upfront about its costs and payment options. They should be able to explain your care plan and the associated fees so there are no surprises. We want your focus to be on getting better, which is why we provide a clear outline of care for all our new patients.

See What Other Patients Are Saying

Patient reviews offer invaluable insight into what you can expect from a chiropractor. Look for testimonials from people who were dealing with injuries similar to yours, like whiplash or chronic neck pain. Do their stories resonate with you? Reading about significant pain relief and positive outcomes can help you gauge a chiropractor's ability to meet your needs. Success stories show a track record of results and can give you confidence in your choice. We are proud of the results our patients achieve, and we invite you to read their success stories to see what’s possible.

What Happens at Your First Appointment?

Walking into a new doctor’s office can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re in pain from a whiplash injury. Knowing what the first visit entails can help ease your mind so you can focus on what matters most: getting better. Your first appointment is all about discovery. It’s a dedicated time for the chiropractic team to understand the specifics of your accident, how your body has been affected, and what your personal health goals are.

The main goal is to get to the root cause of your symptoms, not just mask the pain. This initial visit is comprehensive, combining a detailed conversation with advanced diagnostics to build a complete picture of your health. Think of it as a fact-finding mission where you and your chiropractor work together to map out the best path forward. By the end of this appointment, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s going on with your body and a concrete plan for how to start healing.

The Initial Chat and Health Assessment

Your first visit begins with a conversation. You’ll sit down with the doctor to discuss your health history, the details of your auto accident, and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. This is your opportunity to share everything you’ve been going through, from headaches and neck stiffness to dizziness or brain fog. After reviewing your history and goals, the chiropractor will perform a thorough physical examination. This hands-on assessment helps identify areas of spinal misalignment and tension that are contributing to your pain. It’s a crucial first step in understanding your body’s unique needs and is foundational to the care we provide new patients.

Using Scans to Pinpoint the Problem

To see what’s happening beneath the surface, your chiropractor will use advanced diagnostic tools. X-rays are often necessary to get a clear view of your spinal structure, which helps in developing the most effective and safest care plan for you. These images can reveal underlying issues or serious spinal conditions that need to be addressed. At Lazar Spinal Care, we also use state-of-the-art tools like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans. These assessments provide detailed data on your nervous system function and posture, giving us a complete picture of how the whiplash injury has impacted your body’s communication systems. These advanced diagnostic techniques are key to creating a precise and effective treatment plan.

PostureIQ™ and Insight™ Neurological Scans

When it comes to diagnosing whiplash, a physical exam only tells part of the story. To truly understand the extent of your injury, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans. PostureIQ™ gives us a detailed analysis of your posture and spinal alignment. The force from a car accident can shift your body's structure in subtle ways that aren't visible to the naked eye. This tool creates a digital map of your posture, highlighting imbalances that contribute to pain and slow down your recovery. By seeing exactly where the stress is, we can create a targeted plan to correct it.

The Insight™ neurological scans take this a step further by looking at how your nervous system is functioning. These scans are completely non-invasive and measure nerve activity and muscle tension along your spine. This is critical because whiplash often disrupts the communication between your brain and your body. The scans provide objective data, showing us precisely how the injury is affecting your body's internal wiring. This information helps us understand the neurological side of your symptoms, like brain fog or dizziness, which are often overlooked in a standard exam.

Together, these advanced scans give us a complete, data-driven picture of your condition. Instead of guessing, we can pinpoint the exact root causes of your symptoms and design a care plan that is tailored specifically to your body's needs. This thorough, evidence-based approach is essential for an effective whiplash recovery. It ensures we are not just treating the symptoms but are correcting the underlying problems to help you achieve lasting wellness and get back to feeling like yourself.

Mapping Out Your Personalized Care Plan

Once your consultation and diagnostic scans are complete, your chiropractor will have all the information needed to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your plan will be designed to address the root cause of your whiplash injury using a non-surgical, medication-free strategy. The doctor will walk you through their findings, explain the recommended course of care, and answer any questions you have. This collaborative process ensures you feel confident and informed about your path to recovery. The focus is always on restoring your body’s natural ability to heal and achieving lasting wellness from auto accident injuries.

What's Next? Scheduling Your Recovery

Healing from whiplash is a process that takes time and consistency. Based on the severity of your injury, your chiropractor will recommend a schedule for follow-up visits. Initially, you might need more frequent adjustments to stabilize your spine and manage pain. It’s common to have appointments a few times per week until your body begins to hold its alignment and your symptoms improve. Your doctor will outline a clear recovery timeline so you know what to expect along the way. As you progress, the frequency of your visits will adjust to support your long-term healing. You can always request an appointment online to get started on your personalized care schedule.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor? It’s a good idea to get an evaluation as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel significant pain right away. The adrenaline from an accident can mask symptoms, and it’s common for whiplash-related pain and stiffness to show up days or even weeks later. An early assessment can identify underlying issues before they become more serious, setting you up for a smoother recovery.

Will the adjustments for my whiplash injury be painful? This is a very common and understandable concern. A chiropractor who specializes in auto injuries knows your neck and back are already sensitive. They use gentle and precise techniques designed to work with your body, not against it. The goal is to restore alignment without any forceful twisting or cracking, so the process should feel comfortable and relieving.

What makes whiplash treatment different from a standard chiropractic visit? Treating whiplash requires a specific skill set that goes beyond general chiropractic care. It involves a deep understanding of how a collision impacts the spine, soft tissues, and nervous system. A whiplash expert uses advanced diagnostic tools to get a complete picture of the injury and employs specialized adjustment techniques that are tailored to the unique instability caused by an accident.

How long will it take for me to feel better? Your recovery timeline is unique to you. It depends on several factors, including the severity of the accident and your body’s individual healing response. After your first comprehensive exam, your chiropractor will be able to give you a clearer picture of what to expect. The focus is always on making steady, consistent progress toward long-term healing, not just providing a temporary fix.

My accident was minor and I don't feel much pain. Should I still get checked out? Yes, it's highly recommended. Even a seemingly minor fender-bender can create misalignments in your spine that may not cause immediate symptoms. Getting checked out is a proactive step to ensure a small issue doesn't develop into a chronic problem like headaches, neck pain, or stiffness down the road. It’s always better to be sure you’re in the clear.