Whiplash affects thousands of people every year, causing neck stiffness, headaches, reduced mobility, and pain that can spread into the shoulders and upper back. At McNamara Chiropractic Center, Dr. Carol McNamara delivers evidence-based chiropractic care focused on fast relief and long-term recovery.
Dr. McNamara treats whiplash injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, sports incidents, and workplace injuries. Located at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064, our clinic serves patients throughout South Florida with personalized care plans designed to restore function and prevent chronic complications.
Whiplash occurs when sudden acceleration–deceleration forces push the cervical spine beyond its normal range of motion. This can damage ligaments, irritate joints, inflame muscles, and compress nerves. Left untreated, whiplash often develops into chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, or even disc-related issues.
Dr. Carol McNamara uses a structured, conservative approach to whiplash care that begins with a thorough evaluation and progresses through targeted treatment aimed at healing — not masking symptoms.
Your initial visit includes accident history review, cervical spine examination, posture and movement assessment, range-of-motion testing, and neurological screening when appropriate. These steps help identify joint restriction, muscle guarding, nerve irritation, and compensation patterns.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore motion to restricted cervical joints, reduce nerve irritation, and calm protective muscle tension. Techniques are always adapted for acute whiplash cases to ensure comfort and safety.
Soft tissue therapy may be included to reduce inflammation, minimize scar tissue formation, and relieve muscle spasm. Addressing soft tissue early is critical to preventing long-term dysfunction.
McNamara Chiropractic Center may incorporate modern diagnostic and supportive therapies to enhance recovery when clinically appropriate.
Digital Imaging (When Needed)
X-rays may be recommended to assess alignment, rule out fractures, or evaluate disc involvement when symptoms suggest conditions such as disc herniation.
Movement & Postural Analysis
Postural imbalances after whiplash often contribute to ongoing pain and compensation into the mid-back or lower spine, sometimes triggering secondary back pain.
Supportive Therapeutic Modalities
Modalities may be used to reduce inflammation and improve comfort so healing can occur more efficiently.
Your safety is always the priority.
Dr. McNamara carefully screens every patient and progresses treatment based on comfort, injury severity, and healing response. Techniques are explained in advance, and patient feedback is encouraged throughout care.
Our clinic follows strict cleanliness and professionalism standards, particularly for auto accident patients who may have multiple injury sites.
Whiplash injuries can present in many ways depending on impact type, body position, and prior health history. Dr. McNamara treats a wide range of whiplash-related conditions.
Auto Accident Whiplash
Rear-end and side-impact collisions often cause cervical joint injury, muscle strain, and nerve irritation. Early care helps prevent chronic neck pain and headaches.
Sports-Related Whiplash
Contact sports and sudden directional changes can stress the neck. Care may overlap with sports injury treatment protocols to safely guide return to activity.
Workplace & Fall Injuries
Falls and lifting injuries can create whiplash-like patterns that affect the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Chronic Pain After Whiplash
Untreated whiplash may lead to long-term stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, or nerve symptoms that can extend into the arms or contribute to conditions like sciatica due to spinal compensation.
Pain Relief
Reducing joint restriction and nerve irritation helps pain calm naturally.
Improved Mobility
Restored cervical motion allows easier driving, working, sleeping, and daily activity.
Faster Recovery
Targeted care supports healing while preventing compensation patterns that slow progress.
Prevention of Long-Term Issues
Early treatment reduces the risk of chronic pain, scar tissue, disc stress, and recurring flare-ups.
Personalized Care
Treatment plans are adjusted continuously based on progress and response.
Experienced Auto-Injury Care
Dr. Carol McNamara understands the complex nature of whiplash and how it affects the entire spine — not just the neck.
Clear Communication
You’ll understand your injury, your plan, and your recovery timeline.
Trusted Local Clinic
Serving Lighthouse Point and surrounding South Florida communities with patient-focused care.
Initial Visit (45–60 Minutes)
Comprehensive evaluation, explanation of findings, and care planning. Treatment may begin the same day if appropriate.
Follow-Up Care
Visits may be more frequent early on, then taper as pain decreases and function improves.
Home Guidance
Posture tips, sleep positioning, and movement recommendations to support healing.
Whiplash care is often covered under auto insurance and may be eligible through health insurance depending on benefits. Our team can help verify options and explain next steps before care begins.
If you’ve been in an accident and are experiencing neck stiffness, headaches, or pain — don’t wait.
Schedule your whiplash evaluation with Dr. Carol McNamara at McNamara Chiropractic Center and protect your recovery before temporary pain becomes permanent.
