Cory R.
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Whiplash-Related Neck Pain
SYMPTOM
Whiplash-Related Neck Pain
SITUATION
Cory, a 40-year-old high school geometry teacher, came to KIRO following a minor car accident in which his Toyota Camry was struck from behind. Although the collision was low-speed and post-crash imaging did not reveal any fractures or significant structural damage, Cory continued to experience persistent neck pain and stiffness in the days and weeks following the accident.
Initially, Cory expected his symptoms to resolve on their own. However, he noticed increasing difficulty turning his head while teaching, discomfort when looking up at the Smartboard, and frequent tightness at the base of his neck by the end of the school day. He also began experiencing mild headaches that seemed to originate in his neck. With symptoms lingering despite rest and over-the-counter pain relief, Cory sought chiropractic care to address ongoing whiplash-related neck pain and support proper healing.
TREATMENT
Care began with a comprehensive examination performed by KIRO’s team of doctors. The evaluation revealed restricted and painful cervical range of motion, particularly with rotation and lateral bending, along with localized tenderness and muscle guarding throughout the neck and upper shoulders. These findings were consistent with a whiplash-type injury, in which soft tissues of the neck are strained during a sudden back-and-forth motion, even when imaging appears normal.
To better assess how the injury was affecting Cory’s nervous system and muscular tension patterns, our doctors performed an initial nervous system scan. The scan showed elevated tension levels in the cervical spine and upper back, confirming the source of his symptoms and providing a measurable baseline to track progress over time.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized care plan focused on reducing inflammation, restoring safe movement, and preventing long-term complications often associated with untreated whiplash. Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments aimed at improving joint motion in the neck and upper back, paired with gentle soft tissue therapy to decrease muscle guarding and improve mobility.
After five weeks of care, our doctors repeated the nervous system scan and re-evaluated Cory’s range of motion, pain levels, and the impact of his symptoms on his daily life. The scan demonstrated a reduction in tension across the shoulders and cervical spine, with a few stubborn areas left at the base of the skull, and Cory reported improved neck mobility and less impact on his teaching responsibilities. With these objective and subjective improvements, care transitioned from twice-weekly visits to once per week.
The focus of care then shifted toward long-term stabilization and recovery. Over the following weeks, Cory was guided through progressive exercises designed to strengthen the deep stabilizing muscles of the neck and improve postural support. Mobility drills and posture-focused strategies were also introduced to help reduce strain during long hours of standing, teaching, and grading.
RESULT
By the end of three months at KIRO, Cory experienced self-reported 95% improvement in his neck pain, mobility, and overall comfort. He was able to move freely while teaching without stiffness or end-of-day discomfort, and his headaches fully resolved. A final nervous system scan showed tension levels within a normal range throughout the neck and upper back, supporting the clinical improvements observed.
Cory has since returned to his regular teaching routine without limitation and continues with periodic chiropractic care to support spinal health and reduce the risk of lingering or recurring whiplash symptoms.
DURATION
3 months
