Even a “minor” fender-bender can put more force through your neck and back than it feels like in the moment. Adrenaline has a way of masking pain right after a crash, which is why plenty of people walk away from an accident feeling “fine” and then wake up stiff and sore a day or two later. Getting checked out early — even if you feel okay — is one of the best things you can do for your recovery.
Why Car Accident Injuries Aren’t Always Obvious Right Away
During a collision, your body can be jolted in ways it isn’t built for, even at low speeds. Muscles, ligaments, and joints can be strained without any visible sign of injury. Adrenaline and shock can suppress pain signals for hours or days, so it’s common for whiplash, back pain, or headaches to show up 24 to 72 hours after the accident — well after the police report is filed and the other driver’s insurance has moved on.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
- Whiplash — strain in the neck from the rapid back-and-forth motion of a collision
- Lower back pain and stiffness
- Shoulder and upper back tension from bracing or the seatbelt
- Headaches that originate from the neck
- Reduced range of motion when turning your head or bending
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
After a thorough evaluation, chiropractic care focuses on identifying which joints and muscles were affected and addressing restricted motion, inflammation, and misalignment with hands-on adjustments and soft-tissue work. Many patients use chiropractic care alongside guidance from their primary doctor, working together to support a full recovery rather than replacing other necessary medical care.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency evaluation. Go to an emergency room or call 911 right away for severe pain, loss of consciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or numbness and weakness in your arms or legs. These can signal a more serious injury that needs prompt medical attention first. Dr. Fernandez will always refer you to an appropriate medical provider if your symptoms fall outside the scope of chiropractic care.
A Few Quick Questions
How soon after an accident should I see a chiropractor? As soon as you reasonably can, ideally within the first few days — even if you feel mostly fine. Catching strain or restricted motion early tends to make recovery smoother.
Do I need to go to the ER first? If you have any signs of a serious injury (see above), yes — get emergency care first. For soreness, stiffness, or limited motion without those red-flag symptoms, a chiropractic evaluation is a reasonable place to start.
Will my insurance cover this? Align Chiropractic & Wellness is a cash-based practice, so you’ll know your cost upfront. Some auto insurance policies reimburse accident-related care if you submit a receipt — it’s worth calling your provider to ask about your specific policy.
What if my X-rays came back clear? Clear X-rays are good news — they rule out fractures — but soft-tissue injuries like whiplash often don’t show up on imaging at all. A hands-on evaluation looks at how your neck and back are actually moving, not just what the images show.
Been in an accident? Call (818) 848-2225 to schedule an evaluation, or book online — Dr. Fernandez will assess whether chiropractic care fits into your recovery plan.