What Symptoms Can Develop After a Car Accident?
Auto injuries can affect more than just your neck, and symptoms aren't always at their worst immediately after a collision.
Depending on the type of collision and the structures involved, symptoms may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Low back or mid-back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder or upper-back pain
- Muscle soreness and tightness
- Reduced or painful movement
- Numbness, tingling, or pain into an arm or leg
- Weakness or difficulty with normal activities
Some symptoms are noticeable right away, while others can become more apparent in the hours or days following an accident.
An examination helps determine which areas were affected and whether additional imaging or medical evaluation may be appropriate.
What Happens During an Auto Injury Evaluation?
A thorough evaluation helps us understand what was injured and establish a clear starting point for your care.
Your evaluation may include:
- A review of how the collision occurred and when your symptoms began
- Examination of the neck, back, shoulders, and other injured areas
- Range-of-motion and orthopedic testing
- Strength, reflex, and sensation testing when appropriate
- Evaluation for signs of nerve involvement
- Review of existing medical records or imaging
- X-rays when clinically appropriate
Your findings are documented so we can determine an appropriate treatment plan and monitor your progress over time.
The goal is to identify and document your injuries—not simply treat where you hurt.
How Are Auto Injuries Treated?
Treatment is based on your examination findings, symptoms, and how your recovery progresses.
Using Auto Insurance for Your Care
If you were injured in a Minnesota car accident, your auto insurance may provide benefits for medically necessary treatment related to your injuries
Our office can help make the process easier by maintaining documentation of your evaluation, treatment, and progress.
Your records may include:
- Details about the collision and onset of symptoms
- Examination and neurological findings
- Diagnoses related to your injuries
- Treatment provided
- Changes in symptoms and function
- Progress examinations when appropriate
We can also provide authorized records and documentation when requested by your insurance company or other parties involved in your claim.
Our priority is accurately documenting your injuries while helping you recover and return to your normal activities.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care After an Accident?
Some symptoms following a collision require urgent medical evaluation rather than an office visit.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, or unusual drowsiness
- A severe or rapidly worsening headache
- New or significant weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Changes in vision or speech
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness around the groin or inner thighs
- Significant chest or abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe pain or symptoms that are rapidly worsening
If your symptoms suggest that emergency or medical care is more appropriate, that should come before chiropractic treatment.
Injured in a Car Accident? Start With an Evaluation.
We'll evaluate your injuries, document your findings, and help determine the appropriate next step in your care.
Your initial visit may include:
- Consultation and accident history
- Physical and neurological examination
- Review of relevant medical records or imaging
- X-rays when clinically appropriate
- Recommendations based on your examination findings
