Describe more than the pain score.
A useful history explains when the discomfort started, where it is, and what makes ordinary tasks difficult. Tell your clinician about headaches, arm symptoms, any head impact and relevant health conditions.
“My neck hurts after being rear-ended” is a starting point. Details such as which movements are uncomfortable, whether symptoms travel, and how symptoms have changed give a clearer picture.
When is neck pain urgent?
Seek urgent medical assessment for new or increasing numbness, weakness, problems walking, or severe and worsening pain after a neck injury. Severe headache, confusion or unusual drowsiness also needs prompt medical attention.
Do not postpone medical care to fit an office booking. If the injury may be serious or it is a medical emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Sirota approaches the evaluation.
Bring your collision history, existing reports and any discharge instructions. Dr. Sirota discusses your symptoms and examines relevant movement, orthopedic and neurological findings before recommending a course of care.
Ask what the findings mean, whether referral or further investigation is needed, and what changes would require you to contact a clinician promptly. Imaging is not promised or automatically required by this page.
Prepare for a useful follow-up conversation.
Keep a brief symptom record with dates, changes and activities affected. Bring your medication list and tell the office about treatment you are already receiving so the discussion reflects your full situation.
Related concerns may fit the whiplash guide. If back discomfort is your main concern, see back pain after a car accident. Each page addresses a different question; none can diagnose the cause online.
Frequent neck pain and headaches following a car accident
If neck pain and headaches keep returning after a collision, describe both symptoms during your assessment. A headache after an accident should not automatically be attributed to the neck: head injury also needs consideration. Tell your clinician about any head impact, dizziness, changes in concentration, and treatment already received.
A worsening headache that does not go away, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness, or slurred speech after a head injury calls for emergency care. Call 911 rather than waiting for a chiropractic appointment. See the CDC's concussion symptoms and danger signs.
Still in pain after doctor-recommended physical therapy?
Your doctor referred you to physical therapy. You attended the visits and did the exercises—but you are still hurting. What is next? A fresh assessment may help clarify what is still contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Bring your prior treatment notes to your one-on-one evaluation in White Plains. Explore our individualized approach.
Questions patients ask
Does neck pain mean I have whiplash?
Not necessarily. Whiplash is one possibility after sudden head movement, but neck pain has several possible explanations. History and examination are needed to determine the next step.
Should I wait until the pain becomes severe?
You do not need to wait for severe pain to discuss persistent or concerning symptoms with a clinician. Urgent warning signs require prompt medical care rather than routine scheduling.
Where is the White Plains accident-care office?
The office is at 600 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603. Free parking is behind the building, and entry is through the storefront on North Broadway.
Sources & practice information
Updated November 10, 2026. Practice information: Jonathan A. Sirota, DC, CCSP, PC, in practice since 1990. Medical and insurance information is based on the sources below; these organizations do not endorse this practice.
General education cannot diagnose an injury or establish insurance coverage. An individual examination and claim review are required.