If you’ve been in a car accident in Gresham, whiplash may not announce itself right away. Many people feel fine at the scene and wake up the next morning with a stiff, aching neck, a headache that won’t quit, or pain that spreads into the shoulders and upper back. That delay is normal — and it’s exactly why getting checked promptly matters.
At Great Health Chiropractic, Dr. Jeffrey Bratten has treated auto-injury patients in Gresham and the surrounding communities for more than 37 years. We offer same-day appointments because when you’re in pain, you shouldn’t have to wait days to be seen.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion of the head — most often from a rear-end collision. That sudden force can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, even in a low-speed crash where your car barely looks damaged.
Common signs of whiplash include:
- Neck pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Pain or tightness spreading into the shoulders and upper back
- Dizziness, or tingling and numbness in the arms
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping
Symptoms can show up hours or even days after the accident. Left unaddressed, whiplash can settle into a long-term problem — which is why an early exam is worth it even if the pain feels manageable at first.
How We Treat Whiplash
Every new patient starts with a thorough exam and, when needed, imaging — so we understand what’s actually injured before any treatment begins. Dr. Bratten then explains what’s going on in plain language and builds a treatment plan around your specific injury. No guesswork, and no surprises.
Depending on your exam, care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore normal motion, physical rehabilitation to rebuild strength and stability, and massage therapy to ease the surrounding muscle tension. The goal is to treat the underlying cause of your pain and support your body’s natural healing — not just mask the symptoms.
Your Oregon Auto Insurance Likely Covers This — With No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Here’s something many Gresham drivers don’t realize: **Oregon requires every auto policy to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $15,000 per person**, and it pays for your accident-related medical care *regardless of who caused the crash*. That means your treatment after a car accident is typically covered — often with nothing out of your pocket.
We work directly with your auto insurance and handle the billing for you, so you can focus on getting better instead of paperwork. If you’re unsure about your coverage, call us and we’ll help you understand your options.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Gresham
- **Get evaluated promptly** — even if you feel okay. Some whiplash symptoms are delayed, and early documentation protects both your health and your claim.
- **Keep a simple record** of your symptoms and how they change day to day.
- **Call us at (503) 667-3366 to schedule a same-day exam.** The sooner we start, the smoother the recovery tends to be.
Why Great Health Chiropractic
- 37 years serving Gresham, more than 25 of them at our current location on NE Hogan Drive
- Open 7 days a week — weekdays until 7:30 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday — so care fits around work
- Same-day appointments for patients in acute pain
- We bill your auto insurance directly
- Care in English, Russian, and Spanish
Ready to Feel Better?
If you’re dealing with neck pain, headaches, or stiffness after a car accident in Gresham, don’t wait for it to become a lasting problem. Call (503) 667-3366 to schedule your same-day exam, or stop by 1155 NE Hogan Dr, Gresham, OR 97030.
FAQ – Whiplash Treatment in Gresham
How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
As soon as you can, ideally within a few days. Whiplash symptoms are often delayed, and an early exam helps catch problems before they settle in — and documents your injury for your insurance claim.
Does my insurance cover chiropractic care after a car accident in Oregon?
Usually, yes. Oregon requires at least $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on every auto policy, which covers accident-related care regardless of fault. We bill your auto insurance directly.
I feel fine after my accident — do I still need to be checked?
It’s a good idea. Many whiplash symptoms don’t appear until hours or days later. A quick exam gives you peace of mind and a baseline if symptoms develop.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes. We keep room in the schedule for patients in acute pain, and we’re open seven days a week.