It’s a common misconception that only severe accidents cause injuries. Even low-speed collisions (under 10 mph) can result in soft tissue injuries like whiplash, back pain, or joint trauma. Your body absorbs a sudden jolt regardless of how fast you’re going, which can misalign the spine or strain muscles and ligaments. Injuries can occur even when there’s little to no visible damage to the vehicle.
Some of the most common injuries from car accidents include whiplash and neck strain, back injuries (disc herniation and spinal misalignment), shoulder injuries, headaches or concussions, knee and joint trauma, and soft tissue injuries (muscle strains, sprains, and bruising). These injuries might not be immediately noticeable and can develop over time, which is why early evaluation is essential.
Chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which are often impacted in car accidents. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, restore mobility and alignment, prevent long-term damage or chronic pain, and promote natural healing without relying solely on medication or surgery. Even if you don’t feel injured, chiropractic assessments can uncover hidden issues before they worsen.
Why is it essential to work with a team that understands personal injury cases?
A team experienced in personal injury cases ensures proper documentation of injuries for legal and insurance purposes, coordinates care with attorneys and other healthcare providers, develops a clear treatment plan that supports both recovery and claim resolution, and accurately bills and codes in alignment with PI insurance requirements. This type of support can significantly reduce stress and streamline the process for patients.
Do you have a network of practitioners and attorneys that you involve in your personal injury cases?
We maintain a trusted network of personal injury attorneys, medical doctors, imaging centers, and rehabilitation specialists. This enables us to deliver comprehensive care and refer patients to professionals who are knowledgeable about the legal and medical aspects of injury cases, ensuring they receive both high-quality care and effective representation if necessary.
Why is it important to seek care sooner rather than later? What are the risks of not seeking care right away?
Delaying care can lead to worsening of injuries, development of chronic pain or long-term dysfunction, more invasive treatments down the line, and difficulty linking injuries to the accident (which can hurt your legal case). Early intervention supports a faster recovery and ensures that your injuries are documented from the outset, which is crucial for both your health and any subsequent insurance or legal claims.
$49 Chiropractic Special
Includes Consultation & exam, Free MRI Review, X-Rays, Dr’s Report of Findings on Day 2.
How Our Care Plan Works
Find It
Through our meticulous exam process we are going to find the root cause of your problem and show you exactly what is going on.
Fix It
We will develop a custom plan of attack using our comprehensive approach that won’t just have you feeling better in the short term but will give you the lasting results that you have been looking for.
Forget It
When you aren’t feeling 100% it is hard to focus on much else. Once we get you feeling and functioning better you will be able to forget all about your problem and get back to enjoying your life!
How We Treat Car Accident Injuries in Phoenix, AZ
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Our consultation exam process is designed to be thorough and patient-centered. We begin with a detailed consultation about your accident, symptoms, and medical history. From there, we proceed to a hands-on physical examination to assess the range of motion, muscle tension, neurological function, and spinal alignment.
We perform orthopedic exams, spinal alignment exams, and functional movement assessments, often supplemented by X-rays (and sometimes MRI or CT scans, as needed). These tests help us detect hidden injuries, such as disc issues, ligament damage, or nerve impingements, that may not be immediately painful.
Treating just the symptoms can lead to short-term relief, but not long-term healing. Identifying the root cause allows us to create a targeted plan that resolves the issue at its source, preventing chronic pain, degeneration, and future complications.
Personal injury patients receive comprehensive documentation of all findings, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated care with attorneys or other specialists when needed. We also educate our patients on what to expect during recovery.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
We introduce therapeutic exercises as patients progress in their recovery. We begin with gentle range-of-motion and stability exercises, then gradually progress to strength and flexibility exercises to restore function.
These exercises aim to strengthen weakened muscles, improve joint stability, restore flexibility, and prevent reinjury.
Therapeutic exercises complement adjustments by helping the body “hold” proper alignment, reducing muscular imbalances, and promoting long-term spinal health.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Phoenix, AZ
Car accidents often cause microtrauma to the spine and soft tissues (even in low-speed collisions). Chiropractors are uniquely trained to identify and treat these issues before they become chronic. Early care reduces pain, inflammation, and long-term damage.
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, reduce pressure on nerves, improve joint mobility, and support the body’s natural healing process. They also help break the pain and inflammation cycle that often follows trauma.
We design individualized treatment tailored to each patient’s specific injuries, health status, and recovery goals. We may adjust the frequency, techniques, and supportive therapies to ensure optimal results.
Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Work
After an accident, muscles often tighten as a protective response, leading to stiffness and restricted motion. Massage therapy helps release these tensions, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports the healing of soft tissue injuries.
Massage is effective for whiplash, back pain, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint stiffness. It’s especially beneficial for reducing scar tissue formation and improving mobility during recovery.
We integrate massage therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments. We focus sessions on the specific areas of trauma and coordinate with the overall care plan to optimize healing and comfort.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Treat In Phoenix, AZ
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is forcefully and suddenly thrown backward and then forward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Many injuries can cause whiplash, but the most common cause of whiplash is motor vehicle accidents.
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, neck pain and stiffness, headaches (often starting at the base of the skull), dizziness, fatigue, limited range of motion, and tingling or numbness in the arms and hands.
Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and neck, reduce inflammation, and promote healing and overall well-being. We often utilize soft tissue therapies and therapeutic exercises to restore the range of motion and alleviate pain.
Delaying care can lead to chronic neck pain, reduced mobility, headaches, and long-term spinal issues. Whiplash can worsen if untreated.
Low Back Pain
Accidents can cause muscle strains or ligament sprains, herniated or bulging discs, lumbar spine misalignment, and nerve compression (sciatica).
Low back pain can make everyday activities difficult, delay healing, and increase stress and fatigue during recovery.
Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce inflammation. Complementary therapies, such as decompression, electrical muscle stimulation, or rehabilitation exercises, may also be used.
Untreated back injuries can become chronic, worsen with time, or result in nerve damage, making them more difficult to treat later.
Shoulder Pain
Seatbelts, airbag deployment, or bracing for impact can cause trauma to the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
Common injuries include, but are not limited to, rotator cuff strain or tear, shoulder impingement, dislocation, AC joint sprain, and soft tissue inflammation.
Chiropractic treatment may involve joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises to restore function and relieve pain.
Delaying treatment may result in frozen shoulder, reduced mobility, or chronic inflammation affecting your ability to use the arm normally.
Knee Pain
Knees often strike the dashboard or twist awkwardly during impact, causing trauma to ligaments, cartilage, or bone.
Common injuries include, but are not limited to, ligament sprains (ACL, MCL), meniscus tears, patellar dislocation, bone bruising, and soft tissue swelling.
We utilize joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, knee decompression, and rehabilitation exercises to alleviate and reduce pain and restore knee function.
Ignoring knee pain may lead to instability, chronic joint damage, or the need for surgical intervention.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild-to-severe traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that causes the brain to move inside the skull. In car accidents, it often results from hitting your head or from the whiplash motion.
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, headache, dizziness, confusion or brain fog, nausea, memory loss, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Chiropractors treat brain injury indirectly by addressing symptoms like neck tension, headaches, and dizziness. Proper cervical spine alignment also supports nervous system function and healing.
Untreated concussions can worsen or lead to post-concussion syndrome, causing long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
Neck Pain
Common injuries include, but are not limited to, whiplash, muscle strain, facet joint irritation, cervical disc injury, and pinched nerves.
Neck pain can limit head movement, cause headaches, disrupt sleep, and make daily activities painful, which may slow down your overall recovery.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate nerve pressure. Techniques may include spinal manipulation, cervical decompression, massage, and posture correction.
Delaying treatment can lead to chronic neck pain, nerve issues, decreased mobility, and long-term spinal degeneration.
Check Out Our Location Near You
2735 W Union Hills Dr #102, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Visit a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Yes, seeing a chiropractor after a car accident is highly recommended, even if you don’t feel pain right away. Car accidents can cause hidden injuries such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or spinal misalignments that may not show symptoms for days or even weeks. Chiropractic care helps relieve pain naturally, restores mobility, reduces inflammation, and prevents long-term complications. Getting checked early ensures that any underlying issues are addressed before they become chronic.
Does Car Insurance Pay for a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
In many cases, yes, car insurance may cover chiropractic care after an accident. In Arizona, payment often depends on who was at fault, what type of insurance coverage is involved (like med pay, liability, or uninsured motorist), and if an attorney is involved in your personal injury case. Many chiropractic offices work directly with insurance companies or personal injury attorneys to make sure your care is covered with little or no upfront cost to you.
What Are My Rights to Care After a Car Accident in Phoenix, AZ?
In Arizona, you have the legal right to seek medical care after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. If another driver was responsible, their insurance may be required to cover your medical treatment, including chiropractic care. You also have the right to choose your own healthcare provider, be evaluated by a chiropractor even if you’ve already gone to the ER or urgent care, and have your injuries documented for insurance or legal purposes. A knowledgeable provider can help ensure your rights are protected and your injuries are correctly handled.
Do I Have to Pay Anything Out of Pocket After a Car Accident?
You usually don’t have to pay anything upfront, especially if the other driver was at fault, you have med pay coverage on your auto insurance, and/or you are working with a personal injury attorney. Many chiropractic clinics in Arizona (like ours) offer care on a lien, which means you receive treatment now and payment is deferred until your case settles. This allows you to focus on healing instead of worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
How Long Should I Go to a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
The length of care depends on the severity of your injuries, your response to treatment, and your overall health and activity level. Some people recover in a few weeks, while others may need several months of consistent care. A chiropractor will assess your progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed. The goal is to help you heal fully and not just feel better temporarily.
$49 Chiropractic Special
Includes Consultation & exam, Free MRI Review, X-Rays, Dr’s Report of Findings on Day 2.
