Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, even when the collision seems minor. At Complete Chiropractic, we frequently see patients who were unsure whether they needed care after an accident because symptoms were mild or delayed.
Knowing what steps to take after a car accident can play an important role in recovery and long-term health.
Symptoms After a Car Accident Are Often Delayed
It is very common for people to feel “okay” immediately after an accident. Adrenaline and shock can temporarily mask pain, and symptoms may not appear until hours or days later.
Common delayed symptoms include:
- Neck or back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder or upper-back tension
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Delayed symptoms are one of the main reasons early evaluation is recommended.
Why Getting Checked After an Accident Is Important
Car accidents place sudden forces on the body that it is not designed to handle. Even low-speed collisions can strain muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints.
Getting evaluated after an accident may help:
- Identify injuries that are not immediately obvious
- Address inflammation early
- Reduce the risk of chronic pain or stiffness
- Support proper healing and mobility
Waiting too long can allow movement restrictions and scar tissue to develop.
Minor Accidents Can Still Cause Injury
Many people assume that if vehicle damage is minimal, the body must be fine. However, the amount of car damage does not always reflect the force transferred to the spine and soft tissues.
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries commonly occur in low-speed accidents and may not show immediate symptoms.
What Happens If Injuries Go Untreated
Untreated injuries from car accidents may lead to:
- Ongoing neck or back pain
- Recurrent headaches
- Reduced mobility
- Muscle tightness and imbalance
- Symptoms that return months or years later
Early care is often simpler than addressing long-standing problems.
Care After a Car Accident
Post-accident care focuses on restoring normal movement, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery. Care plans are individualized based on symptoms, exam findings, and response to treatment.
If additional testing or referral is needed, that is addressed during evaluation.
Insurance and Auto Accident Care
Many people are unsure whether care after a car accident is appropriate or covered. In many cases, evaluation and treatment following a motor vehicle accident may be covered under auto insurance or medical benefits.
Our office can help answer general questions related to care following an accident.
When to Seek Immediate Evaluation
You should seek prompt care if you experience:
- Increasing pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Severe or worsening headaches
- Difficulty moving your neck or back
Early assessment helps determine the best next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in pain to get checked after an accident?
No. Delayed symptoms are common.
How soon should I be evaluated?
As soon as possible, even if symptoms are mild.
Can symptoms show up days later?
Yes. This is very common after car accidents.
The Bottom Line
Car accidents can cause injuries that are not always immediately noticeable. Early evaluation and appropriate care may help support proper healing and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and have questions about next steps in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team at Complete Chiropractic is available to help guide you.