Even a minor car accident can place significant stress on the spine and surrounding tissues. At Complete Chiropractic, we frequently see patients in Sioux Falls area who were involved in motor vehicle accidents and didn’t realize they were injured until days or weeks later.
You don’t have to be in a major collision to experience lasting effects from an accident.
Why Car Accidents Affect the Spine
During a collision, the body is exposed to sudden forces that it is not designed to handle. Even at low speeds, the spine can experience:
- Rapid forward and backward motion
- Sudden twisting or rotation
- Muscle and ligament strain
- Joint irritation
This type of trauma commonly leads to whiplash, a term used to describe soft tissue injuries to the neck and upper back.
Symptoms Don’t Always Show Up Right Away
One of the most important reasons to seek care after an accident is that symptoms are often delayed. Many patients report feeling “fine” initially, only to develop symptoms later such as:
- Neck or back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder or upper-back tension
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Tingling or numbness
Adrenaline and shock can temporarily mask pain following an accident.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Getting evaluated soon after a car accident allows injuries to be identified and addressed before they become chronic.
Early chiropractic care may help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve joint mobility
- Decrease muscle tension
- Support proper healing
Delaying care can allow scar tissue and movement restrictions to develop, which may prolong recovery.
Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal movement and function to the spine after trauma. At Complete Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, SD, post-accident care may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments
- Improving range of motion
- Reducing muscle tightness
- Monitoring healing progress
Care is always tailored to the individual and the type of injuries involved.
Even Minor Accidents Can Cause Injury
Many people assume that if their car isn’t badly damaged, their body must be fine. However, the amount of vehicle damage does not always reflect the force absorbed by the body.
Low-speed collisions can still result in significant soft tissue injury.
Insurance and Auto Accident Care
Chiropractic care is commonly included in auto accident injury care. In many cases, treatment may be covered under auto insurance or medical benefits.
Our office can help answer general questions related to care following an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a chiropractor even if I feel okay?
Yes. Delayed symptoms are common after car accidents.
How long after an accident should I get checked?
As soon as possible, even if symptoms are mild.
Can chiropractic help whiplash?
Many patients report improvement in mobility and discomfort with appropriate care.
The Bottom Line
Car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t always immediately obvious. Early evaluation and conservative care may help support proper healing and reduce the risk of long-term issues.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are looking for chiropractic care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team at Complete Chiropractic is here to help answer your questions and guide you through the recovery process.