Whiplash and dizziness treatment in Hilversum

A rear end collision, a fall from a bike, a hard tackle: in a split second the neck is thrown backwards and forwards further than it should go. The result is whiplash, and the complaints can start immediately or days later. Our English speaking chiropractors examine and treat the neck, and the dizziness, headache and concentration problems that often come with it.
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What happens in a whiplash

Whiplash is not one injury but a pattern: the small joints, ligaments, discs and muscles of the neck are stretched and strained, most often in a collision from behind, when the neck muscles have no time to brace. In the Netherlands about 30,000 people a year are affected, most of them in traffic. The most common complaint is a painful, stiff neck, followed by headache, pain between the shoulder blades, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, pain radiating into the arms, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Irritability and fatigue are part of the picture, not a sign that you are imagining it.

Most people recover within weeks to months. The chance of chronic complaints is highest when the neck is left stiff and unexamined, when fear of movement takes over, and when the upper neck keeps sending wrong signals to the balance system. Early, careful treatment lowers that risk considerably. That is why we advise anyone with neck pain after a collision to be examined within one to two weeks, even if the first X rays at the hospital were normal. See also our page on neck pain and headaches.

Dizziness from the neck

Your sense of balance uses three sources: the inner ear, the eyes and the position sensors in the upper neck. After whiplash, or with a stiff upper neck from any cause, those sensors send conflicting information and you feel light headed, unsteady or foggy, especially when turning the head or looking up. This is cervicogenic dizziness, and it responds well to treatment of the upper neck combined with balance exercises.

True vertigo (the room spins) usually comes from the inner ear, for example BPPV, loose crystals that can be repositioned with a simple manoeuvre. We test both and treat what we find; inner ear problems that need an ENT specialist are referred.

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Complaints after whiplash

Stiff, painful neck

Chiropractor examining the neck of a patient after whiplash at MoveWell Hilversum

Locked segments and guarding muscles that make turning and looking over the shoulder painful. Early gentle mobilisation, muscle techniques and graded movement prevent the neck from stiffening permanently. We never force a freshly injured neck.

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Headache and concentration problems

Cervical decompression treatment of the neck

Headache from the upper neck, pressure behind the eyes, difficulty reading and concentrating, poor sleep. Treating the upper neck and the muscles at the base of the skull reduces these; see also headaches. Persistent symptoms after a blow to the head need a medical check for concussion, which we recognise and refer.

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Dizziness and unsteadiness

Neck pain and dizziness after an accident

Light headedness when turning the head, feeling unsteady in busy places, nausea in the car. Treated with mobilisation of the upper neck, eye and neck coordination exercises and balance training, with our physiotherapists for the vestibular part.

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More information in English

Everything MoveWell offers in English, from complaints to rates: start at MoveWell in English.

Rest, but not too much

The old advice of a collar and bed rest is outdated: it makes the neck stiffer and recovery slower. The right balance is relative rest in the first days, then guided movement as soon as possible. We tell you what you can do, what to avoid for now, how to sleep and work, and we build it up week by week. If an insurance or liability claim is involved, we document your examination and progress in English.

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How we treat whiplash and dizziness

Thorough examination

Gentle mobilisation of the upper neck

Movement of every neck segment, ligament stability tests, nerve tests of the arms, balance and eye movement tests, and a check of the jaw and upper back. We read hospital reports and scans you bring and we are alert to signs that need a doctor first.

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Gentle, staged treatment

Physiotherapist treating the neck and shoulder muscles

Light mobilisation and muscle techniques in the early phase, precise adjustments and the cervical decompression table once the neck allows it, trigger point treatment for the shoulder and neck muscles.

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Exercises and rehabilitation

Balance and coordination exercises after whiplash

Deep neck muscle training, posture and workplace advice, balance and coordination exercises, and for stubborn cases dry needling and strength training with our physiotherapists.

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Why MoveWell after a whiplash

Experience with the neck

English speaking chiropractor in Hilversum

Seven chiropractors who treat necks every day, with techniques ranging from very light to precise, and physiotherapists for muscles, balance and rehabilitation.

Direct access, fast

MoveWell practice in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark

No referral needed, acute complaints usually within 24 hours, open until 21:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Dutch supplementary insurance reimburses chiropractic, no deductible.

Documentation in English

Chiropractor explaining whiplash recovery to a patient

Clear reports for your insurer, employer or lawyer when the accident was not your fault, and honest advice about what to expect.

Our specialists for whiplash and dizziness

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Frequently asked questions about whiplash and dizziness

How soon after an accident should I be examined?

Within one to two weeks, even if you feel only mild stiffness. Complaints after whiplash can start days later, and early treatment lowers the risk of chronic problems. If you have severe pain, numbness, weakness or confusion right after the accident, go to a hospital first.

Is chiropractic treatment safe after whiplash?

Yes, with a staged approach. We examine the stability of the neck first and start with gentle techniques; adjustments only when the neck has settled and the examination allows it. We do not treat a neck with signs of fracture or instability; those are referred.

How long do whiplash symptoms last?

Most people recover within six to twelve weeks; some take several months. Early treatment, staying active and understanding what is happening shorten the course. A small group keeps complaints longer, and for them a combined plan of neck treatment, training and advice on sleep and stress works best.

Can a chiropractor help with dizziness?

Yes, when the dizziness comes from the upper neck (cervicogenic dizziness), which is common after whiplash and with a stiff neck. We test to distinguish it from inner ear problems; BPPV can be treated with a repositioning manoeuvre in the practice, and other inner ear conditions are referred.

Does my car insurance cover treatment?

Treatment is reimbursed by your Dutch supplementary health insurance. If another party was liable, their insurer usually covers the costs that are not reimbursed; we provide the reports and invoices you need, in English.

Should I wear a neck collar?

Only in the first day or two if a doctor advised it. Longer use weakens the neck muscles and slows recovery. We help you move the neck safely as early as possible.

I had a collision months ago and still have complaints. Is it too late?

No. Late whiplash complaints are common and still treatable: stiff segments, guarding muscles and a confused balance system respond to treatment at any stage, although recovery takes longer than when treatment starts early. We examine what is still restricted and make a plan.

Can whiplash cause problems with concentration and memory?

Yes, often. Pain, poor sleep, dizziness and the strain on the upper neck all affect concentration. As the neck recovers and sleep improves, concentration usually follows. If symptoms suggest a concussion, we advise a medical check first.

Whiplash and dizziness treatment for Hilversum and the Gooi region

MoveWell, Hoge Naarderweg 3E, Hilversum, in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark. Patients from Bussum, Laren, Naarden, Huizen, Loosdrecht, Baarn, Weesp and Almere, 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Move well, feel better!

Neck pain or dizziness after an accident?

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Call 035 760 06 45