Anyone who drives Silverdale Way during peak hours knows how unpredictable the traffic can be. Between the school rush, commuters cutting through toward the mall, and the busy intersections near Bucklin Hill Rd and Kitsap Mall Blvd, stop-and-go traffic is just part of daily life.
Unfortunately, this constant slowing and sudden braking also makes rear-end collisions one of the most common types of accidents in Silverdale, especially during high-congestion times.
Why Low-Speed Impacts Cause Whiplash
These low- to moderate-speed impacts might not look dramatic, but they’re a major cause of whiplash. When your vehicle is hit from behind, your head snaps forward and then back again in a fraction of a second. Even in a “small” crash, that force can stretch the muscles, ligaments, and joints in your neck far beyond their normal range.
Many people feel shocked or embarrassed right after the accident, not realizing that soft-tissue injuries can take hours or days to fully appear.
Silverdale chiropractor, Dr. Drew Clark explains it well: “Whiplash isn’t about how bad the cars look—it’s about what happens to your neck. Even a slow collision can create significant strain and hidden damage.”
What to Do Immediately After a Stop-and-Go Collision
Check for immediate injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” your body is full of adrenaline.
Exchange information and document the scene. Photos, locations, and notes help later if symptoms show up.
Seek medical or chiropractic evaluation within 24-72 hours. Delayed pain is extremely common after rear-end impacts.
Avoid ignoring new symptoms. Headaches, tightness, limited motion, and fatigue often develop gradually.
How a Chiropractor Evaluates Whiplash and Soft-Tissue Injuries
At Clark Chiropractic, your post-accident evaluation focuses on identifying what actually shifted or strained during the collision, not just treating the surface-level symptoms.
A typical visit includes:
- A detailed review of how the accident happened
- Posture and movement assessments
- Orthopedic and neurological tests to identify irritated nerves
- Gentle palpation to check for swelling, muscle guarding, and joint restrictions
- A personalized care plan designed to restore proper motion, reduce inflammation, and support natural healing
Whether your accident happened crawling through Silverdale Way traffic or at a busy intersection, early chiropractic care can help prevent lingering discomfort and long-term mobility issues.
If you’ve recently been in a rear-end collision, visit the Clark Chiropractic home page to schedule an evaluation and support your recovery naturally.