Auto Accident Chiropractic Care in Silverdale
Have you been injured in a car accident? Even if you feel okay right now, it’s worth having your injuries evaluated. Some accident-related symptoms don’t show up immediately, and they can become more noticeable hours or even days after a collision.
At Clark Chiropractic, we’ve been helping Silverdale and Kitsap County families sort through exactly this kind of uncertainty since 1983. Our doctors take the time to understand what happened, what you’re feeling and how your body is responding, so they can recommend care based on your individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Why You May Not Feel Pain Right Away
After a collision, your body responds to the sudden force and stress of the impact. Adrenaline and other stress hormones can temporarily mask pain or stiffness, which is part of why so many people walk away from an accident feeling “fine.”
As those effects wear off, symptoms often become more noticeable. You might develop neck or back pain, headaches, muscle soreness or difficulty moving normally later that day or over the next several days.
This is one reason it’s worth paying attention to how you feel in the days following an accident, even if you initially felt okay.
Common Injuries and Symptoms After a Car Accident
A collision can affect different parts of the body depending on the direction and force of impact. The most common complaints we see after an accident include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Numbness, tingling or weakness that travels into an arm or leg
- Dizziness, brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disruption in the weeks following the accident
Some of these are obvious right away. Others build gradually, which is exactly why they’re easy to dismiss until they start interfering with everyday life.
Whiplash
Whiplash happens when the head and neck are suddenly forced forward and backward, most often during a rear-end collision. That rapid movement can strain the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck and upper back.
Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced range of motion and shoulder discomfort.
Back Pain After an Accident
Unsurprisingly, back pain is one of the most common complaints we see following a collision. The sudden forces involved can place real stress on the muscles, joints and other structures of the spine, whether or not there’s any visible injury.
Back pain after an accident can affect the upper, middle or lower back, and it sometimes shows up alongside symptoms that extend into the hip or leg. If this sounds familiar, our back pain page walks through what each type of back pain can mean and when it’s worth having evaluated.
Headaches and Concussion Symptoms
A blow to the head, or even a hard jolt without direct contact, can lead to a concussion. Headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating and a general feeling of being “off” in the days after an accident are all worth mentioning to your provider, even if you never hit your head on anything.
Nerve Irritation
Numbness, tingling, burning or pain that travels into an arm or leg can be a sign that a nerve is being irritated, whether by inflammation, muscle tension or a shift in how the spine is moving.
These symptoms sometimes show up even when the initial pain from the accident felt relatively minor.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues can also be affected by the forces involved in a collision. Symptoms may include soreness, stiffness, tenderness or a noticeable loss of range of motion. We may also suggest massage therapy, and/or cold laser therapy to speed up your recovery.
Accident Symptoms Can Appear Later
One of the more confusing things about an auto accident injury is that you may not realize you’re hurt right away.
You might feel relatively normal immediately after a collision, then start to notice increasing neck or back stiffness, headaches, muscle soreness or difficulty turning your neck in the days that follow. Pain when sitting, standing or driving, numbness or tingling, and new pain that simply wasn’t there before the accident are also common.
If symptoms show up after a crash, make sure your provider knows about the accident and when your symptoms began, even if that timeline feels delayed or a little unclear.
What If My Accident Happened Days or Weeks Ago?
Some people wait to seek care because they assume the soreness will go away on its own. Others don’t connect a new symptom to an accident that happened days or weeks earlier. If you’re still dealing with pain, stiffness, headaches or other symptoms after a collision, it’s worth having those concerns evaluated, even if the accident wasn’t recent.
Your chiropractor will ask about the accident, review your symptoms and perform an exam to help understand what may be contributing to your discomfort. Then we’ll explain what we find and talk through whether chiropractic care makes sense for you.
What Happens During an Auto Accident Evaluation?
Your first visit will look similar to a regular new-patient visit, with some added questions and paperwork related to your accident.
We’ll want to understand when and how the accident happened, where your vehicle was hit and how your body moved during the collision. We’ll also ask whether you were wearing a seatbelt, what symptoms you’re experiencing and when they started, and whether you’ve received other medical care since the accident.
Your exam may include an assessment of your posture, range of motion, muscle function and other findings tied to your symptoms. Digital X-rays are available in-office when clinically appropriate, and if additional imaging or testing is needed, we’ll refer you to the right provider.
What If I’m Working With an Attorney or Insurance Company?
If your accident involves an insurance claim or an attorney, let our team know when you schedule your appointment.
Our team has plenty of experience working with patients navigating the insurance and documentation process after an auto accident. We can walk you through the paperwork and billing process, and we’re glad to communicate with your attorney when it’s appropriate.
Every accident and insurance situation looks a little different, so our team is happy to answer questions specific to your circumstances when you get in touch.
How Chiropractic Care May Help After an Accident
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for people experiencing musculoskeletal pain or restricted movement following an auto accident.
Your care is based on your symptoms, exam findings, health history and how you respond to treatment. Depending on your needs, that might mean chiropractic adjustments, or it might include other services we offer, like massage therapy, cold laser therapy or spinal decompression.
There isn’t one treatment plan that fits every accident patient. Your doctor will explain their recommendations and answer your questions as you go.
Experienced Care for Auto Accident Injuries
Dr. Stephen Clark has decades of experience caring for patients with traumatic injuries, including those from auto accidents, falls and concussions. Today, he practices alongside his son, Dr. Drew Clark, as part of one of the largest chiropractic families in the state.
Clark Chiropractic has been part of the Silverdale community since 1983, and that history means we’ve walked this road with a lot of families. You can learn more about our team and the approach we bring to care that goes beyond a quick adjustment.
We understand that recovering from an accident is rarely just about the pain itself. You might also be juggling insurance paperwork, missed work, transportation headaches and a general sense of “what happens now.” Our goal is to make the process of getting evaluated and understanding your options as straightforward as we can.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?
Some accident-related symptoms need prompt medical attention.
For less urgent pain, stiffness or other musculoskeletal symptoms, a healthcare professional can help determine what type of evaluation makes sense.
What Our Patients Say
“I was involved in an accident that caused a lot of pain from my ankle to my neck. After coming here for a while I am almost pain-free. The friendliest place on earth!”
John B.
Happy I Came in for Care
One of my coworkers was in a car accident and had been rear-ended severely. She had asked around and found out about Clark Chiropractic. After seeing her go to Dr. Clark, I was able to see how much he helped her. She was feeling so much better and able to move about a lot more. I had also seen my wife get treated by Dr. Clark as well. She would constantly tell me about all the things he was helping her with and how she was able to live her normal life again with his help (adjustments). So, after a couple of years of hearing all the people around me brag about him, I finally decided to go in and see him for myself. I work a lot and am very hard on my body, so none the less I was experiencing a good amount of lower back pain and in. I felt a big difference right away! It was like day and night! I could move better, the pain dropped immensely, and I finally felt some relief. And best of all since I’ve been seeing Dr. Clark the pain went away and has stayed away!
Anthony S.
Help After Car Accident
I finally came to see Dr, Clark after hearing my friend Diana rant and rave about him for so long. I was also involved in a car accident. I came in with severe lower back pain and couldn’t move my neck very well. Dr. Clark was able to get me out of the pain and help me get my movement back. He has a gentle feel about him and his staff is the friendliest group of people you’d ever want to be around. They are all so welcoming and always greet you with their smiles. I would recommend Clark Chiropractic to everyone. I drive all the way from Grapeview to come get adjusted because it works. I am now able to go upstairs and all over the place without stopping due to pain constantly. I truly thank him for all that he has done for me.
Mary M.
You can read more patient experiences with Clark Chiropractic on our reviews page.
Don’t Ignore New Symptoms After an Accident
You don’t have to wait until your symptoms become severe before seeking an evaluation.
Whether you’ve been in a rear-end collision, an intersection accident or another type of crash, our chiropractors can evaluate your symptoms and help you understand whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your auto accident evaluation in Silverdale.
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