What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when your head is thrown forward and back quickly, as it can be in a collision. That sudden motion can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back, and it often affects the shoulders, head, and lower back too.

Symptoms do not always show up right away. Stiffness, soreness, and headaches can build over the first day or two, which is one reason it helps to get checked even when you feel fine. If your injury is serious, start with emergency care. Our team can help with the recovery that follows.

Common Auto Accident Symptoms We Treat

  • Neck pain and stiffness (whiplash)
  • Headaches that started after the accident
  • Lower back pain or muscle spasm
  • Shoulder or upper back tightness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands

Accident Injury Care from a Team That Works Together

Three Doctors of Chiropractic and a physical therapist, all in one Brookings clinic.

Dr. Trevor Penning, DC: Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University. Patient-centered care focused on relieving pain and restoring daily function.

Dr. Jonathan Schneider, DC: Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University. Focuses on restoring function, not just controlling pain, for everyday patients and athletes.

Dr. Steven Clites, DC: Doctor of Chiropractic with a biology degree from South Dakota State University. Grew up in Brookings and refers patients out when their needs go beyond our clinic.

Brenda Buus, PT: Master of Science in Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota. Practicing since 1997 and with our clinic since 2007, including orthopedic and post-injury rehab.

More About Us

What Happens at Your First Auto Injury Visit?

No referral is needed. You can call or book online to get evaluated.
search

We Evaluate Your Injury

We start with a thorough evaluation: what happened, where it hurts, and how it is affecting your daily movement.
fitness_center

We Build Your Plan

Dr. Penning, Dr. Schneider, or Dr. Clites builds a plan specific to you, which may include chiropractic adjustment, corrective care, and a referral to Brenda Buus, PT, if your injury calls for physical therapy.
description

We Keep Clear Records

We document your visits and progress, which patients often need for insurance or claims. We cannot give insurance or legal advice, but we will tell you plainly what we find.

What Recovery Can Look Like

Every injury is different, so we do not promise a timeline. We do set clear goals with you, and these are the ones we commonly work toward:

  • Easier movement, including turning your head, reaching, and getting in and out of the car
  • One connected plan from our chiropractors and our physical therapist, so you are not coordinating care between offices
  • Clear visit records you can bring to your insurance or claim

We also explain what we are finding at each stage, so you always know where your recovery stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have severe pain, a head injury, loss of consciousness, or numbness or weakness that is getting worse after a collision, go to the emergency room or call 911 first. Otherwise, see us as soon as you can, even if you feel okay. Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries often take a day or two to show symptoms, and starting care early tends to lead to a faster, more complete recovery.
That's common. Adrenaline can mask pain right after an accident, and inflammation builds over the following days. If you start feeling stiff, sore, or achy after a collision, it's worth getting checked out even if some time has passed.
That depends on your policy and the details of your accident, so we can't give insurance advice. What we can do is document your visits clearly so you have accurate records to bring to your insurance or claim.
No. You can call or book online directly to get evaluated.

We see patients throughout Brookings, Volga, White, and Aurora, South Dakota.

Get Back to Your Life in Brookings

Our goal is the same one we have with every patient: get you out of pain and back to your normal life, whether that's back to work, back to the barn, or back to keeping up with your kids. Ready to get checked out? Call (605) 696-7222 or book online. We serve patients throughout Brookings, Volga, White, and Aurora.

Book Now

Brookings Chiropractic Center and Physical Therapy

1222 22nd Avenue South,
Brookings, SD
57006

605-696-7222

insurance@brookingscenter.com

View Staff & Treatments