Car Accident Injury Treatment
Car accidents can place significant stress on the body, even at low speeds. Many injuries affect the muscles, joints, and discs of the spine and may not cause immediate symptoms.
Dr. Joel Ardner provides evaluation and treatment for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, with a focus on identifying affected structures, reducing pain, and restoring normal movement.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Motor vehicle collisions frequently affect the neck and spine. Some of the most common injuries include:
Shoulder pain
Muscle strain and stiffness
In many cases, symptoms may not appear until hours or days after the accident.
Delayed Symptoms Are Common
It is not unusual to feel relatively normal immediately after an accident. Adrenaline and stress can temporarily mask pain, allowing symptoms to develop later.
Common delayed symptoms include:
Neck stiffness
Headaches
Back pain
Muscle tightness
Reduced range of motion
If symptoms develop after an accident, evaluation can help determine the cause and guide appropriate care.
What to Expect After an Accident
Evaluation begins with a detailed review of the accident and your symptoms, followed by a physical examination to assess the spine and surrounding tissues.
Treatment focuses on:
Reducing inflammation and muscle tension
Restoring joint mobility
Improving movement and function
Supporting the body’s natural recovery process
Care plans are individualized based on the type and severity of the injury.
Click here to read Dr. Ardner’s blog post on what to do after an accident.
Treatment for Car Accident Injuries
Treatment may include a combination of approaches depending on the condition:
Chiropractic care to restore joint movement
Soft tissue treatment to reduce muscle tension
Dry needling for trigger points
Flexion-distraction therapy for disc-related conditions
Rehabilitation exercises to improve stability and mobility
Adjunct pain management injections when appropriate
The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and support long-term recovery.
Documentation and Ongoing Care
Accurate documentation is an important part of managing injuries related to motor vehicle accidents. Evaluation and treatment records help track progress and ensure that injuries are properly addressed.
Care may be coordinated with other healthcare providers when appropriate.
When to Seek Evaluation
You should consider scheduling an evaluation if you have been involved in a car accident and experience:
Neck or back pain
Headaches
Stiffness or reduced mobility
Symptoms that develop within days of the accident
Early evaluation may help prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.
About Dr. Joel Ardner
Dr. Joel Ardner provides evaluation and treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, including those sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Care focuses on identifying injured tissues, restoring normal movement, and helping patients recover safely and effectively.
Patients are seen at Fabrizio Chiropractic & Physical Rehabilitation.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you were recently involved in a car accident and are experiencing pain or stiffness, scheduling an evaluation may help determine the cause of your symptoms and begin the recovery process.
Same-day or prompt evaluations are often available.