You walked away from the car crash thinking you were fine. A few days later, your neck is stiff, your lower back aches, and something just doesn’t feel right. This experience is commonly described by patients who visit a car accident chiropractor because adrenaline may wear off gradually, and inflammation can take time to build.
If you’re dealing with post-crash pain, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC., a team of auto accident chiropractors in New York, can help. Below, we explain how a chiropractor can help you address swelling, pain, and soft tissue damage after a crash.
Why Does Inflammation Happen After a Car Accident?
When your body endures the sudden, jarring force of a collision, it responds to the damage by triggering an inflammatory reaction. Your immune system is doing its job when it sends fluids and proteins to these affected areas to begin repairs. The trouble is, if this swelling isn’t managed properly, it can turn into a prolonged problem.
According to the National Safety Council’s motor vehicle injury overview, medically consulted injuries in motor vehicle incidents totaled 5.1 million in 2023. The scale of crash-related injuries is significant, as millions of people deal with the physical and financial aftermath of crashes each year.
A car accident chiropractor may have to tackle inflammation that comes from:
- Soft tissue damage: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in a car accident. Sprains and strains release inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling and pain in the surrounding tissue.
- Joint misalignment: When the force of impact shifts your joint out of its proper position, the surrounding tissues become irritated. Misaligned joints can’t move as they should, which compounds the swelling.
- Nerve compression: Displaced vertebrae or swollen tissue can put pressure on a nerve. This contributes to localized inflammation.
The most common post-crash inflammation issues include swelling, persistent or sharp pain, skin that feels warm and tender to the touch, and stiffness that limits how far you can turn or bend. Some of these symptoms may not appear until 24 to 72 hours after your accident, which is why prompt medical attention is crucial.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Reduce Swelling and Pain While Addressing Soft Tissue Injuries
Auto accident chiropractors offer a drug-free, non-invasive approach, but do chiropractic adjustments actually help? Spinal adjustments for post-crash swelling work by restoring proper alignment, which takes pressure off the affected nerves and joints, allowing blood and lymphatic fluid to flow freely. Better circulation means the body can more efficiently clear out the byproducts of inflammation and deliver the nutrients needed for tissue repair.
Manual spinal manipulation for inflammation control may also help regulate cytokines, which are the proteins your body uses to manage its injury response. If the process gets out of balance, chronic swelling can set in. Turning to chiropractic therapy for auto injury recovery may help bring these production levels back under control.
According to a published study on chiropractic treatments for motor vehicle accident patients, the average patient requires 14.2 chiropractic treatments following a crash, and 40.2% of cases require ongoing treatment to relieve persistent pain. Chiropractic treatment for soft tissue injuries can improve mobility, reduce scar tissue buildup, and promote healing. Your car accident chiropractor will also look at joint misalignments in the hips, shoulders, and knees.
Using chiropractic care to reduce inflammation after whiplash is a well-documented technique as well. Whiplash overstretches the muscles and ligaments in the neck. If left untreated, significant inflammation in the cervical spine can build, leading to headaches, dizziness, and radiating arm pain.
What To Expect From a Car Accident Chiropractor in New York
According to the World Health Organization’s road traffic injuries fact sheet, between 20 and 50 million road traffic crash victims suffer nonfatal injuries. The physical toll of these accidents can significantly reduce your quality of life, and the window for effective treatment doesn’t stay open forever. Seeing a chiropractor can give your recovery a headstart.
Chiropractors start by reviewing your medical history, checking your range of motion and posture, and ordering imaging scans. If you choose chiropractic care for inflammation after a car accident, you might get:
- Spinal adjustments: Precise, controlled force applied to misaligned vertebrae to restore proper positioning and reduce nerve and joint pressure
- Manual therapy: Techniques to relieve muscle tension, break up adhesions, and improve circulation in injured areas
- Rehabilitation exercises: Targeted movements to strengthen the muscles supporting injured joints
Untreated soft tissue injuries, in particular, can develop into chronic pain conditions as the body lays down scar tissue. Chiropractors address underlying postural habits and modify your activities to prevent further damage.
Start Your Recovery at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC
Choosing a chiropractor after a car accident is a practical choice. Chiropractic care manages post-crash inflammation well and can streamline your recovery. New Yorkers can contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC.’s physical therapists, chiropractors, and pain management specialists to learn more.
Call (718) 400-9177 today to schedule your consultation with a car accident chiropractor. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chiropractic care and car accident recovery.
How Soon Should I See an Auto Accident Chiropractor?
You should see a chiropractor early, even if you feel little to no pain. Some injuries take days to produce symptoms.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization in Chiropractic Care?
Soft tissue mobilization is how chiropractors work through adhesions and tightness in the muscles and connective tissues. Myofascial release targets the thin layer around muscles before inflammation can restrict movement. This technique is often used alongside spinal adjustments for a more complete solution.
Will My Insurance Cover Chiropractic Treatments After an Auto Accident?
Auto insurance policies, like no-fault and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, often cover chiropractic treatments. A car accident chiropractor has experience specifically diagnosing and treating issues like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and spinal misalignment. They can provide documentation to support an insurance or legal claim.