A crash can leave you shaken, sore and unsure what to do next. If your neck or back hurts after a car accident, a chiropractor can check how your spine and muscles are moving. At HealthSource Chiropractic of Roseland, Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C., evaluates you first and explains what she finds. Below, we cover whiplash, delayed symptoms, your exam and New Jersey auto insurance.
Get emergency care first
Your safety comes first after any crash. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you or anyone else has:
- A head injury, confusion or a loss of consciousness
- Severe neck pain, or pain that keeps getting worse
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg
- Trouble breathing, chest pain or belly pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Vomiting, vision changes or a sudden severe headache
Even if you feel fine, it is wise to see a medical doctor after a hard hit. Once a medical team rules out serious injuries, chiropractic care may help as one part of your recovery.
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
Whiplash happens when a sudden jolt snaps your head forward and back. That quick motion can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck. It often happens when another car hits you from behind.
A crash can also strain your upper back, lower back and shoulders. Seat belts save lives, yet the strap may leave your chest and shoulder sore. As a result, you might feel stiffness, aches, muscle spasms or trouble turning your head. Some people also get headaches that start at the base of the skull.
MedlinePlus has more on neck injuries, including whiplash. If your neck hurt before the crash, our neck pain relief page covers everyday causes such as desk posture.
Why symptoms can show up later
Many people feel fine at the scene. Stress and adrenaline can hide pain for a while. Then, hours or even days later, stiffness and soreness set in. For example, you may wake up the next morning with a sore neck you did not have before.
Because of this, it makes sense to get checked even if you feel only a little sore. It also helps to write down when each symptom started. That way, you can give your medical doctor and Dr. Patel a clear timeline. If new numbness, weakness or a severe headache appears, go to the ER instead of waiting.
What a car accident chiropractor checks at your visit
Every crash is different, so Dr. Patel starts by evaluating you. First, you fill out a health history questionnaire about the crash and your symptoms. Then you sit down with Dr. Patel to talk about how you feel and what you want to get back to.
Next comes a physical exam that checks your posture, mobility and pain. Dr. Patel has extra training in movement analysis, so she looks at how your neck and back move together. We take X-rays on site only if they are clinically needed. Finally, she explains her findings and a personalized care plan before any care begins. If your exam points to a problem outside chiropractic care, we will tell you and suggest that you see a medical doctor. This information is educational and is not a diagnosis.
Clear notes from your exam
After a crash, good records matter. We write down your history, your symptoms and what the exam shows. In addition, we note your care plan and how you respond over time. These notes help Dr. Patel track your progress from visit to visit. They also give you a clear record to share with your other doctors if you choose.
Care options from your car accident chiropractor
Your plan depends on what the exam shows. As your car accident chiropractor, Dr. Patel may suggest one or more of these options:
- Hands-on adjustments that aim to help stiff joints move more freely
- Soft tissue work, including instrument-assisted techniques, for tight muscles
- Progressive Rehab® exercises that aim to rebuild strength and control
- Class IV laser therapy, when it fits your case
- Kinesiology taping, if Dr. Patel thinks it suits you
- Simple home tips for sleep, posture and daily tasks while you recover
Dr. Patel explains each step and why she suggests it. You can ask questions at any time, and you decide what fits your goals. Our aim is a clear plan with no pressure to add extras.
New Jersey PIP and your auto claim
New Jersey requires auto insurance, and many policies include personal injury protection, or PIP. According to the state Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI), PIP pays your own medical costs no matter who caused the accident. So people sometimes call it no-fault coverage.
However, limits, deductibles and copays depend on your policy. Some drivers also choose their health insurer to pay first. The NJ DOBI guide to PIP explains these choices in plain terms.
We cannot promise what your insurer will cover. Instead, please call us at (973) 200-2424 before your visit to talk through your claim. You can also read how insurance and financing work at our office. If you were hurt in a slip, fall or other accident that did not involve a car, see our personal injury chiropractor page.
Book a visit with a car accident chiropractor in Roseland
Our office is at 12 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1, in the Downtowne At Roseland complex. You can book online or call (973) 200-2424. Not sure chiropractic care fits your injury? Call and ask, and we will help you choose a next step.