Care after a car accident
A car accident puts sudden force through the body in a fraction of a second. Even in a minor rear-end collision, the head and neck can whip back and forth faster than muscles can react. That motion can strain muscles, ligaments and joints in the neck and upper back, and the seat belt and impact can affect the chest, shoulders and lower back as well.
The first step after any crash is a medical evaluation. Go to an emergency room, urgent care or your physician, and call 911 at the scene if anyone has severe pain, confusion, numbness or trouble breathing. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours, so feeling fine at the scene does not mean you were not hurt.
Once fractures, head injuries and other serious problems have been ruled out, chiropractic care can be one part of recovery. The focus is on easing pain, restoring comfortable movement, and building strength gradually, with each visit documented so your recovery is clearly recorded.
Common injuries after a collision
Accident injuries vary with the type of crash, your position in the car and your health before the accident. These are problems commonly reported once a physician has cleared serious injury.
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Neck pain, stiffness and difficulty turning your head are the hallmark signs. Pain can spread to the shoulders and between the shoulder blades, and headaches at the base of the skull are common.
- Upper and mid back pain
- Bracing against the impact and the pull of the shoulder belt can strain the muscles and joints of the upper back and rib cage.
- Low back pain
- Twisting in the seat, side impacts and bracing with the legs can strain the lower back. Pain that travels into the leg needs careful screening for nerve involvement.
- Shoulder pain
- Gripping the steering wheel or being thrown against the belt can injure the shoulder. Pain with lifting the arm, or weakness, may need imaging through your physician.
- Post-accident headaches
- Headaches often follow neck strain. Any headache after a head impact, or with confusion, vomiting or drowsiness, needs medical evaluation for concussion first.
- Jaw pain
- The jaw can be strained when the head is thrown forward and back. If clicking or jaw pain began after the crash, see TMJ and jaw pain treatment.
What to expect at Okhowat Chiropractic
Bring any emergency room, urgent care or imaging reports you have, along with the date and a short description of the accident.
Accident and medical history
Dr. Okhowat asks how the crash happened, where you were seated, whether you hit your head, and what symptoms started then or in the days since. He reviews any medical evaluation and imaging you have already had.
Careful examination
Range of motion, muscle tenderness, strength, reflexes and sensation are tested gently. If anything suggests a fracture, concussion, nerve injury or other problem needing medical care, you are referred before treatment begins.
Gentle, staged treatment
Early care is usually light: soft tissue work, gentle mobilization and pain-calming procedures. As symptoms settle, spinal adjustments and strengthening exercises may be added at a pace your body tolerates.
Documentation and reassessment
Each visit records your symptoms, findings and treatment. Your progress is reassessed at intervals so the plan can change, and you can request copies of your records for your own files or other providers.
How care may help your recovery
Recovery after a collision differs from person to person. With a sensible plan, many people notice benefits like these.
- May ease neck, back and shoulder pain after a collision.
- Can help restore comfortable movement so driving, working and sleeping feel easier.
- Gradual strengthening may help you return to normal activities with more confidence.
- Provides consistent records of your symptoms and progress over time.
- Complements, rather than replaces, the follow-up care your physician recommends.
Is this right for me?
Chiropractic care may be a good fit once a physician or emergency department has evaluated you and ruled out serious injury, and you are left with neck, back or shoulder pain and stiffness. It is not a substitute for emergency care or imaging after a significant crash.
Symptoms can appear hours or even a few days after an accident. If any of the following develop at any point, go to an emergency room or call 911 rather than waiting for a chiropractic visit.
Often a good fit
- You have been medically evaluated and serious injuries were ruled out
- Neck, back or shoulder pain and stiffness began after the accident
- Symptoms showed up a day or two later and have not settled
- You want a conservative plan with regular reassessment and clear records
See a physician first
- Any loss of consciousness, confusion, memory gaps, vomiting or worsening headache (possible head injury)
- Severe neck pain, especially with numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
- Suspected fracture: intense pain at one spot, deformity or inability to move a limb
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or abdominal pain or bruising from the seat belt
- Loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness in the groin area
- Dizziness, double vision, slurred speech or trouble walking
- Pregnancy at the time of the accident, even with no obvious injury
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches accident injuries
Dr. Okhowat brings over 19 years of chiropractic experience to accident care, backed by his Cleveland Chiropractic College training and a California chiropractic license. Care after a collision is meant to be gradual, because recently strained tissues tend to tolerate gentle work better than forceful treatment in the early weeks.
As a Diplomate of the College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices with the American Association of Integrative Medicine, he can combine hands-on care with exercise and practical advice for driving, sleeping and working while you recover. Getting to appointments while you are sore matters, and the office just west of Fairfax Avenue is convenient to Mid Wilshire and Beverly Grove.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
I've been coming here for a few years now. I'm very pleased with his services. Dr. Okhowat is very professional, courteous and efficient. I definitely recommend him for any Chiropractic services especially if you were just in a car accident. Thank you Dr. O
Questions patients ask
Should I see a doctor or a chiropractor first after a car accident?
See a medical doctor, urgent care or emergency room first. They can check for fractures, head injuries, internal injuries and other problems that need immediate medical care. Once those are ruled out, chiropractic care can be part of your recovery.
How soon after an accident should I get checked?
As soon as possible, ideally the same day for a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Pain from soft tissue injuries often builds over the following 24 to 72 hours. Getting checked early also creates a clear record of when symptoms began.
Why does my neck hurt more days after the accident?
Delayed pain is common with whiplash. Adrenaline can mask pain at first, and inflammation and muscle guarding develop over the next day or two. New or worsening symptoms are a reason to be evaluated, and severe pain or numbness needs urgent care.
Can a chiropractor help with whiplash?
Once serious injury is ruled out, gentle chiropractic care, soft tissue work and graded exercise may help ease whiplash pain and restore neck movement. Staying gently active, within comfortable limits, generally supports recovery better than long periods of rest.
Will you document my visits?
Yes. Each visit is documented with your symptoms, examination findings and treatment, and you can request copies of your records. Keeping your own notes about pain levels, missed activities and appointments can also be useful.
Does Okhowat Chiropractic bill auto insurance or work on a lien?
Billing arrangements after an accident vary, so please ask the office directly before your first visit. TODO: confirm with client (auto insurance and medical lien billing). For questions about claims or legal matters, speak with your insurer or an attorney.
How long does recovery from a car accident injury take?
It varies widely with the severity of the crash, your age, your health beforehand and the injuries involved. Many minor strains improve over weeks, while others take longer. Your progress is reassessed regularly, and you will be referred if recovery is not on track.
Is chiropractic care safe after a car accident?
It can be, once a medical evaluation has ruled out fractures, ligament instability and other serious injuries. Early treatment is kept gentle, and anything that worsens your symptoms is stopped and reassessed.