Whiplash Treatment in St. Paul, Minnesota
Get expert care for whiplash and auto accident neck injuries - We work with your insurance
Specialized Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from auto accidents, occurring when the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and forward in a whip-like motion. At Twin Cities Chiropractic, Dr. Scot Sorum specializes in treating whiplash injuries with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Sorum understands that whiplash symptoms can be delayed and complex, and he’s committed to providing comprehensive care to prevent long-term complications while working directly with your insurance company.
What is Whiplash and How Does It Occur?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head:
Mechanism of Injury
Hyperextension
Head snaps backward beyond normal range
Hyperflexion
Head whips forward, chin toward chest
Lateral Movement
Side-to-side motion in side-impact collisions
Rotational Forces
Twisting motion during impact
Common Causes
Auto Accidents
Rear-end collisions most common (75% of cases)
Sports Injuries
Contact sports, falls, tackles
Physical Abuse
Shaken baby syndrome, domestic violence
Amusement Park Rides
Sudden stops or direction changes
Falls
Sudden impact causing rapid head movement
Affected Structures
Cervical Vertebrae
Neck bones and joints
Intervertebral Discs
Cushions between neck vertebrae
Muscle & Ligaments
Soft tissues supporting the neck
Nerves
Cervical nerves and spinal cord
Blood Vessels
Arteries and veins in the neck area
Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms
Immediate Symptoms (0-24 hours)
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Most common initial symptom
Headaches
Often starting at base of skull
Shoulder Pain
Radiating from neck injury
Dizziness
From inner ear or neck injury
fatigue
From trauma and pain response
Delayed Symptoms (24-72 hours)
Increased Neck Pain
As inflammation develops
Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty turning head
Muscle Spasms
Protective muscle contractions
Arm Pain or Numbness
From nerve involvement
Sleep Disturbances
From pain and discomfort
Chronic Symptoms (weeks to months)
Persistent Neck Pain
Long-term discomfort
Chronic Headaches
Ongoing head pain
Memory Problems
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Mood changes from chronic pain
Depression
From ongoing symptoms and limitations
Associated Symptoms
TMJ Problems
Jaw pain and clicking
Tinnitus
Ringing in ears
Blurred Vision
Visual disturbances
Back Pain
Lower back involvement
Anxiety
About driving or similar situations
Comprehensive Whiplash Recovery Program
Immediate Care (First 72 hours)
Pain & Inflammation Control
Natural methods to reduce swelling
Gentle Range of Motion
Prevent stiffness and adhesions
Ice Therapy
Reduce acute inflammation
Activity Modification
Protect healing tissues
Documentation
Thorough records for insurance purposes
Comprehensive Evaluation
Detailed accident history and mechanism of injury with Dr. Sorum
Physical examination of neck, spine, and neurological function
Range of motion and strength testing
Orthopedic and neurological assessments
X-rays when necessary to rule out fractures
Insurance documentation and coordination
Treatment Methods
Chiropractic Care
Gentle Cervical Adjustments
Restore proper neck alignment
Mobilization Techniques
Gradual restoration of movement
Soft Tissue Therapy
Address muscle and ligament damage
Advanced Therapies
Cervical Decompression
For disc-related whiplash injuries
Physical Therapy
Strengthen neck muscles and restore function
Massage Therapy
Joy Vang's therapeutic massage reduces muscle tension and promotes healing
Pain Management
Natural Pain Relief
methods without heavy medication dependency
Heat & Cold Therapy
applications
Electrical Stimulation
for pain and muscle spasm control
Ergonomic Education
and activity modification
Structured Recovery Program
Phase 1: Acute Care (Days 1-14)
Goals: Control pain and inflammation, prevent further injury
Pain Management
Natural methods to control acute symptoms
Gentle Mobilization
Prevent stiffness and adhesions
Ice Therapy
Reduce inflammation and swelling
Activity Modification
Protect healing tissues
Patient Education
What to expect during recovery
Phase 2: Recovery (Weeks 2-8)
Goals: Restore range of motion and begin strengthening
Progressive Adjustments
Restore normal neck movement
Stretching Exercises
Improve flexibility and prevent stiffness
Strengthening Program
Build neck and shoulder muscle support
Postural Training
Correct compensation patterns
Functional Activities
Gradual return to normal activities
Phase 3: Rehabilitation (Weeks 6-12)
Goals: Full function restoration and injury prevention
Advanced Strengthening
Build resilience against future injury
Proprioceptive Training
Improve balance and coordination
Work Conditioning
Prepare for return to full activities
Driving Preparation
Address anxiety and physical limitations
Maintenance Education
Prevent long-term complications
Phase 4: Maintenance (Ongoing)
Goals: Prevent chronic problems and maintain health
Periodic Check-ups
Monitor for delayed complications
Exercise Programs
Maintain neck strength and flexibility
Ergonomic Optimization
Workplace and home modifications
Stress Management
Address psychological aspects of recovery
Avoiding Long-Term Whiplash Problems
Early Intervention Benefits
Prevent Scar Tissue
Early movement prevents adhesions
Reduce Inflammation
Natural methods to control acute symptoms
Maintain Mobility
Prevent long-term stiffness
Address Compensation
Prevent secondary problems from altered movement
Common Chronic Complications
Chronic Neck Pain
Persistent discomfort and stiffness
Chronic Headaches
Ongoing tension and cervicogenic headaches
Reduced Range of Motion
Permanent movement limitations
Arthritis Development
Accelerated joint degeneration
Psychological Effects
Anxiety, depression, PTSD
Prevention Strategies
Immediate Treatment
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen
Consistent Care
Follow through with complete treatment program
Active Participation
Engage in prescribed exercises and activities
Lifestyle Modifications
Address factors that may impede healing
We Work with Your Auto Insurance
Insurance Coordination
Direct Billing
to auto insurance companies
No Upfront Costs
in most cases
Detailed Documentation
for claims processing
Regular Progress Report
to insurance carriers
Coordination with Adjusters
and case managers
Legal Documentation
Comprehensive Medical Records
Detailed injury documentation
Treatment Summaries
Progress reports for legal proceedings
Expert Testimony
Professional opinion when needed
Coordination with Attorneys
Work with your legal representation
Types of Coverage
Personal Injury Protection(PIP)
Immediate medical coverage
Medical Payments Coverage
Additional medical expense coverage
Third-party Claims
When other driver is at fault
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
When other driver lacks coverage
Don't Wait - Whiplash Symptoms Can Be Delayed
Seek Immediate Treatment If
You've been in any auto accident, regardless of speed
Neck pain or stiffness develops after an accident
Headaches begin following an accident
Any neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness)
Dizziness or balance problems after impact
Sleep disturbances or mood changes following accident
Why Early Treatment Matters
Prevent Chronicity
Early care prevents long-term problems
Better Outcomes
Faster recovery with prompt treatment
Insurance Documentation
Establish medical necessity early
Avoid Complications
Prevent secondary problems from developing
Legal Protection
Document injuries for potential claims
25 Years of Whiplash Treatment Expertise
Dr. Scot Sorum brings a quarter-century of experience treating whiplash and auto accident injuries to Twin Cities Chiropractic. As a Northwestern College of Chiropractic graduate who founded the practice in 2001, Dr. Sorum has successfully treated thousands of whiplash patients and understands the complex nature of these injuries.
His comprehensive approach includes:
Immediate Care Protocols
Addressing acute symptoms effectively
Insurance Expertise
Working with auto insurance for over 20 years
Comprehensive Documentation
Detailed records for claims and legal needs
Prevention Focus
Helping patients avoid chronic complications
Expert Whiplash Care You Can Trust
Experienced Doctor
Dr. Sorum
25 years treating whiplash and auto accident injuries
Thousands
of successful whiplash patients treated
Insurance Expertise
Extensive experience with auto insurance claims
Comprehensive Care
From acute injury through full recovery
Complete Treatment
Multiple Treatment Approaches
Tailored to your specific whiplash injury
Integrated Care
Combining chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy
Advanced Techniques
Modern approaches to whiplash treatment
Joy Vang's Massage Therapy
Specialized soft tissue work for whiplash recovery
Insurance Support
Direct Billing
No upfront costs in most cases
Claims Expertise
Help navigating insurance requirements
Detailed Documentation
Proper records for your claim
Legal Coordination
Work with attorneys when needed
Common Whiplash Treatment Questions
You should be evaluated within 24-48 hours, even if you don’t feel injured. Whiplash symptoms are often delayed due to adrenaline and shock.
Yes, whiplash can occur in accidents as slow as 5 mph. The speed of impact doesn’t always correlate with injury severity.
Recovery time varies greatly. Mild cases may resolve in weeks, while more severe injuries may take months. Early treatment improves outcomes.
Most auto insurance policies include medical coverage (PIP or Med Pay) that covers chiropractic care for accident injuries.
Current research shows that prolonged immobilization can delay healing. Dr. Sorum will guide you on appropriate activity levels.
Yes, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other long-term complications. Early treatment is crucial for prevention.
Injured in an Accident Today? We Can Help
Same-Day Appointments Available
Recent Auto Accidents
victims
New Onset
neck pain or headaches after accident
Worsening Symptoms
following initial injury
Insurance Claim
documentation needs
Red Flags - Seek Emergency Medical Care
Severe neck pain with numbness in both arms
Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Severe dizziness or loss of balance
Signs of concussion or head injury
Comprehensive Whiplash Treatment
Dr. Sorum’s whiplash treatment is enhanced by our integrated approach:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Restore proper cervical spine alignment
Cervical Decompression
For disc-related whiplash injuries
Physical Therapy
Strengthen neck muscles and restore function
Massage Therapy
Joy Vang's therapeutic massage reduces muscle tension and promotes healing
Insurance Coordination
Handle all paperwork and documentation
Comprehensive Auto Accident Injury Care
Neck Pain
Cervical spine injuries from accidents
Headaches
Post-traumatic and tension headaches
Back Pain
Lower back injuries from auto accidents
Concussion
Mild traumatic brain injury (co-management)
TMJ Disorders
Jaw injuries from airbag deployment or impact
Shoulder Injuries
Seatbelt and steering wheel related injuries
Preventing Whiplash Injuries
Vehicle Safety
Proper Headrest Position
Top of headrest at ear level
Seat Adjustments
Back of head close to headrest
Seatbelt Use
Proper positioning across chest and hips
Safe Following Distance
Allow time to react to sudden stops
Defensive Driving
Anticipate Hazards
Watch for potential rear-end situations
Avoid Distractions
Keep full attention on driving
Maintain Vehicle
Ensure brakes and lights work properly
Weather Awareness
Adjust driving for conditions
Post-Accident Care
Don't Ignore Symptoms
Seek evaluation even for minor accidents
Document Everything
Keep records of the accident and symptoms
Follow Treatment Plans
Complete prescribed therapy programs
Stay Active
Maintain gentle movement as directed
Protecting Your Recovery and Rights
Medical Care
Seek Treatment Immediately
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen
Complete Your Treatment
Follow through with entire program
Keep All Appointments
Consistent care improves outcomes
Document Symptoms
Keep detailed records of your condition
Insurance and Legal
Report the Accident
To your insurance company immediately
Don't give Recorded Statements
Without legal advice
Keep all Receipts
Medical expenses and lost wages
Don't Settle Quickly
Until you know the full extent of injuries