Neck & back pain after a car accident
Soreness after a crash is common, and it sometimes shows up hours or days later. Here is what to do and how we can help.
First, get checked for serious injuries
After any crash, call 911 or get emergency care right away for a head injury, severe pain, numbness or weakness, trouble breathing, or if you are unsure. Chiropractic care is for after serious injuries have been ruled out.
Common aches after a crash
The sudden back-and-forth motion of a collision can strain the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck (often called whiplash) and the back. People commonly notice neck pain and stiffness, back pain, headaches or shoulder pain, sometimes a day or two later.
We take a detailed history of the accident and your symptoms, do a thorough exam, and explain what we find.
How we help
Specific chiropractic adjustments. A precise, controlled movement applied to a joint that is restricted or not moving well. The goal is to restore healthy joint motion and support communication between your nervous system and your body. More about adjustments.
Passive therapies. Electrical stimulation, our mechanical massage table and cold therapy to ease pain and relax tight muscles.
Active care. Exercises and stretches you can continue at home to build strength and flexibility.
Insurance
Please call our office at (859) 737-5800 before your first visit to ask about insurance for accident-related care.
Your first visit
Book online anytime or call (859) 737-5800. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome during office hours (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM). Bring your insurance card(s); that’s all you need. We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Passport (Molina Healthcare), and plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna. Not using insurance? Self-pay options are available. See what to expect as a new patient.
When to get urgent medical care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room, rather than booking a chiropractic visit, if you have:
- Any head injury, loss of consciousness, confusion or a severe headache
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
- Severe neck or back pain, or pain that is getting worse quickly
- Chest or belly pain, or trouble breathing
Also at our office: Massage therapy with Westley Rowe, LMT (Meet Westley), and Personal training with Bobby Stewart, M.Ed., of MedFit PT (Meet Bobby). Both are booked separately from chiropractic visits.
Car accident questions
Should I see a doctor before a chiropractor after a crash?
Yes, if you have any sign of a serious injury. Call 911 or get emergency care right away for a head injury, severe pain, numbness or weakness, trouble breathing, or if you are unsure. Chiropractic care is for after serious injuries have been ruled out.
Will insurance cover chiropractic care after a car accident?
Please call our office at (859) 737-5800 before your first visit to ask about insurance for accident-related care.
My neck didn’t hurt until the next day. Is that normal?
Soreness after a crash is common, and it sometimes shows up hours or a day or two later. If it does, get checked.
Do you take X-rays?
We don’t take X-rays in our office. If you need X-rays, we’ll refer you to an outside imaging provider.
Ready to feel and move better?
Book online anytime, or give our office a call.