Being involved in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether you have been rear-ended at a stoplight or hit in a highway collision, you may be left wondering what to do next.
Some injuries are noticeable immediately, while others develop hours or even days later. Knowing what symptoms to watch for and when to seek care can help you take the next steps toward recovery.
At Lake Street Chiropractic in St. Catharines, Ontario, we’ve been helping patients with motor vehicle accident injuries for over 40 years. Our integrated approach includes Active Release Techniques® (ART), chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and active exercise rehabilitation, with care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Seek Medical Attention After an Accident
Your health and safety come first. If you suspect a serious injury or experience symptoms such as severe neck or back pain, weakness, numbness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, you will likely end up in a hospital emergency room or walk-in clinic immediately following the car accident. When your injuries are not severe (no major cuts, broken bones, or internal injuries), you are typically sent home with painkillers and told to follow up with your medical doctor.
If your preference is chiropractic care, it is now time to seek out a chiropractor that regularly treats motor vehicle injuries. Even if you feel fine immediately after a collision, pay attention to how you feel over the next few days. Pain, stiffness, and other symptoms can take up to a week to appear.
Research suggests that timing matters when it comes to whiplash recovery. A study by Dufton et al. found that each additional month between sustaining a whiplash injury and seeking treatment was associated with a 20% increase in the odds of experiencing prolonged injury-related disability. (1)
This highlights the importance of having injuries assessed and treated early, even if symptoms seem manageable at first.
It’s Your Choice Where You Want to Seek Treatment
Depending on your medical doctor’s bias, physiotherapy may be recommended over chiropractic care, or insurance companies may recommend preferred providers. You may feel pressure to go to a certain clinic, but it is your choice where you want to seek treatment.
What Are the Common Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident?
A collision can affect muscles, ligaments, joints, and other tissues throughout the body. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and associated neck pain: Neck stiffness, reduced movement, muscle tenderness, and headaches.
- Back strain/sprain: Discomfort in the upper, middle, or lower back that can affect sitting, bending, lifting, and everyday activities.
- Shoulder and Arm strains/sprains: Pain, stiffness, or difficulty reaching and lifting.
- Knee, Hip, and Other Joint strains/sprains: Pain or swelling from impact with the dashboard, door, or other parts of the vehicle.
You don’t have to be involved in a high-speed collision to experience an injury. If you’re noticing new pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving after an accident, don’t ignore it. Get your injuries examined. Seize the opportunity for funded comprehensive treatment provided by your no-fault motor vehicle insurance benefits. That is what it’s there for.
When Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Once urgent injuries have been assessed, consider arranging a chiropractic appointment if you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or restricted movement following a collision. You don’t need to wait until your symptoms become severe. Early intervention is best.
At Lake Street Chiropractic, we discuss the accident scenario, your symptoms, and your health history before performing a thorough examination. This helps us identify areas of injury, assess your movement, and determine whether chiropractic care is suitable or further medical evaluation is needed.
Your care is based on your individual findings. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, treatment may begin at your initial visit or require further assessment first.
What are the Best Forms of Treatment for Motor Vehicle Accidents and How Can Lake Street Chiropractic Help?
Recovering from a car accident involves more than reducing pain. It also means restoring movement, rebuilding strength, and working toward a safe return to everyday activities.
Our integrated approach may include:
- Active Release Techniques® (ART): A hands-on soft tissue technique that addresses muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Dr. Geron Cowherd has over 30 years of ART experience. Often a first approach.
- Active exercise rehabilitation: Tailored exercises to improve mobility, strength, stability, coordination, and function. Programs start at a comfortable level and gradually progress as your abilities improve.
- Acupuncture: May be considered to help manage certain types of pain and muscle discomfort. Effective when injuries are very tender to touch.
- Chiropractic adjustments: Restores spinal movement and alignment. Introduced when appropriate for your injuries.
- Massage therapy: May help address muscle tension and discomfort.
Not every patient needs every treatment. Your care plan will depend on your examination findings, symptoms, injury severity, and recovery goals.
Research supports the use of combining different treatment approaches when managing neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders. In a 2016 clinical practice guideline, Bussières et al. reviewed treatment recommendations for these conditions and highlighted the role of combining approaches such as manual therapy, exercise, and self-management advice. (2)
This supports the importance of an individualized, multimodal approach to care as being the most effective form of treatment. This approach addresses more than just pain; it restores movement, function, and overall recovery.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies depending on the type and severity of your injuries, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
Some people improve relatively quickly, while others experience symptoms for months or longer. More complex injuries, including fractures, significant ligament injuries, or concussions, may require longer recovery periods.
Your progress should be monitored, and your treatment plan adjusted as needed. The goal is to help you make meaningful improvements and return to your usual activities of daily living as safely as possible.
Understanding Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance in Ontario
Navigating insurance paperwork can add stress to an already difficult situation. In Ontario, automobile insurance policies generally include accident benefits that may cover eligible medical and rehabilitation expenses, including chiropractic, massage, and exercise rehab.
Some injuries fall under Ontario’s Minor Injury Guideline (MIG), which has a standard funding limit of $3,500. More severe injuries may qualify for different limits, depending on the circumstances.
At Lake Street Chiropractic, we understand that the claims process can feel overwhelming. We can guide you through the clinic paperwork and explain the steps to arrange care.
After an accident, it’s helpful to:
- Notify your insurer promptly and ask about your accident benefits.
- Keep records of your symptoms and how they affect work and daily activities.
- Ask which forms, treatment plans, or approvals are required.
- Keep copies of relevant insurance and medical documents.
If you have questions about missed income, disputed benefits, or a potential injury claim, a qualified Ontario personal injury lawyer can explain your options.
Why Choose Lake Street Chiropractic?
Lake Street Chiropractic has been serving St. Catharines and the Niagara Region for over 40 years, helping patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including motor vehicle accident injuries.
Our integrated approach combines experience with individualized care. We consider your symptoms, movement, soft tissue concerns, and functional limitations to determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
We understand that a car accident can affect your work, sleep, family responsibilities, and the activities you enjoy. Our goal is to help you recover quickly and work toward a safe return to everyday activities.
Don’t Ignore Pain After a Car Accident
Even a seemingly minor collision can leave you with pain, stiffness, or restricted movement. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in St. Catharines or the Niagara Region, Lake Street Chiropractic is here to help you explore your next steps.
Contact our clinic to arrange an assessment and discuss your treatment options, or book an appointment online through our website.
Research & References
- Dufton JA, Kopec JA, Wong H, et al. Prognostic factors associated with minimal improvement following acute whiplash-associated disorders. Spine. 2006;31–E765. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000240205.93122.02
- Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. The treatment of neck pain-associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2016;39(8):523–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.08.007
Lake Street Chiropractic
Serving St. Catharines and the Niagara Region for over 40 years.
Helping you move better, feel better, and stay active with chiropractic care and Active Release Techniques®.