Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Whiplash After a Car Accident in Lenexa, KS

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people experience after a car accident—especially rear-end collisions along busy corridors like 87th Street Parkway, I-35, or near the Lenexa Public Market. It's a soft tissue injury caused by the sudden whipping motion of the head and neck during impact. While it may not seem serious at first, untreated whiplash can lead to long-term pain, dysfunction, and even permanent damage.

Lance Stevenson, DC

5/19/20252 min read

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash happens when your neck is forcefully whipped back and forth, straining muscles, ligaments, and joints in the cervical spine. Most commonly, this injury results from car accidents, but it can also occur from sports injuries or any sudden neck movement.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Neck pain or stiffness

  • Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)

  • Shoulder or upper back pain

  • Dizziness

  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Poor sleep

The problem? These symptoms don’t always show up right away. It might take hours or even days after the accident—whether it happened near Quivira Road or Santa Fe Trail Drive—for symptoms to appear.

Can Whiplash Get Worse If Left Untreated?

Yes. If you don't seek treatment, symptoms often intensify. What starts as a sore neck can turn into chronic stiffness, migraines, balance issues, or nerve-related symptoms that affect your arms and shoulders. Some people go on to develop long-term complications like degenerative disc disease or persistent vertigo.

And because adrenaline can mask pain after a crash, many people assume they’re fine—until the pain sets in days later.

Common Symptoms of Untreated Whiplash

  • Chronic neck and shoulder pain

  • Limited range of motion

  • Ongoing headaches or migraines

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Muscle weakness or spasms

  • Cognitive difficulties

  • Ringing in the ears or dizziness

These issues can drastically affect your daily life—whether you’re trying to get back to work near Renner Boulevard or just pick up groceries at Hy-Vee on 95th Street.

The Side Effects of Ignoring Whiplash

Neglecting treatment can cause:

  • Reduced neck mobility

  • Muscle tension that limits your ability to turn or look up/down

  • Sleep disruptions that lead to fatigue

  • Depression or anxiety from chronic pain

  • Risk of falls from balance problems or vertigo

  • Sensitivity to light, noise, or motion

Over time, the cervical spine can become misaligned, and soft tissues may heal incorrectly—causing long-term discomfort that could have been prevented.

What to Do If You Were in a Car Accident in Lenexa

If your accident happened anywhere in Johnson County—whether on I-435 or at an intersection like Lackman and Prairie Star Parkway—it’s important to get checked by a whiplash specialist as soon as possible.

You don’t need to wait until the pain becomes unbearable.

A qualified injury clinic can evaluate your symptoms, provide imaging if needed, and offer a personalized treatment plan that may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments

  • Physical therapy

  • Muscle reeducation

  • Trigger point therapy

  • Gentle stretching and mobilization

Local Care for Lenexa Residents

At our Lenexa-area clinic, we specialize in treating whiplash and soft tissue injuries from car accidents. We work with personal injury attorneys and accept auto insurance claims and medical liens.

If you were recently involved in an accident, don’t ignore your symptoms. Get evaluated before the pain becomes a permanent part of your life.

Been in an Accident? Start Here.

Call us today for a free consultation or with any questions.
Expert Personal Injury Care