A car accident can happen in an instant. Whether you are involved in a rear-end collision on Highway 16, an accident crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, or a collision on a local road in Gig Harbor, the physical effects of an accident can sometimes continue long after the vehicles have been repaired.
Neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, stiffness, muscle soreness, and restricted movement are common reasons people seek chiropractic care after a motor vehicle accident. Some symptoms may be noticeable immediately, while others can become more apparent over the following days.
At Lindley Chiropractic Health in Gig Harbor, Dr. Jack Lindley provides individualized chiropractic care for patients recovering from auto accident injuries. Each patient receives a thorough evaluation to understand how the accident has affected their movement and musculoskeletal system, followed by a treatment approach based on their individual findings.
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, headaches, or changes in your normal movement after a collision, it is important to have your condition evaluated.
Even when a vehicle does not appear to have significant damage, the sudden forces involved in a collision can place stress on the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and other areas of the body that can affect you for a lifetime.
At Lindley Chiropractic Health, we take the time to listen to what happened, understand what you are experiencing, and perform a thorough examination. Dr. Lindley uses Motion Palpation along with a full-body evaluation to assess joint movement and identify areas of restricted motion that may be contributing to your symptoms. We help to curate care around your needs and refer out to other providers when necessary to get you the best possible care.
Before beginning treatment, Dr. Lindley explains his findings and recommendations so you understand your care and are comfortable moving forward.
Every auto accident is different, and every patient responds differently to an injury. For that reason, we do not believe in using the exact same treatment approach for every person following a collision.
Your treatment may include a combination of:
Your care is adjusted as you progress. At each appointment, Dr. Lindley reassesses the areas that are bothering you and determines what treatment is appropriate based on your current condition.
The goal is not simply to treat where you hurt. We want to understand how the accident has affected your overall movement and function so that your treatment can address the areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.
At Lindley Chiropractic Health, we commonly provide chiropractic care for patients experiencing:
If you are experiencing symptoms after an accident, your first step should be an appropriate medical evaluation. If you have severe or emergency symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions, particularly rear-end accidents. The rapid movement of the head and neck during a collision can be followed by neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and changes in normal movement. It is very common for your symptoms to progressively get worse over the course of days and weeks.
Our approach begins with a careful evaluation of your neck and the surrounding areas. Motion Palpation helps Dr. Lindley assess how the cervical spine and other joints are moving and identify areas that may require attention.
Depending on your individual findings, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, rehabilitation, Class 4 laser therapy, or other appropriate therapies.
Back pain is another common complaint following a motor vehicle collision. The lower back, pelvis, and surrounding muscles and joints can all be affected by the forces of an accident.
Rather than focusing only on the location where you feel pain, Dr. Lindley evaluates your movement and the relationship between different areas of the body.
Your treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, decompression therapy, or Class 4 laser therapy when appropriate.
Headaches can occur after a collision and may be accompanied by neck stiffness, muscle tension, or changes in cervical spine movement.
If you develop headaches following an accident, Dr. Lindley can evaluate your neck and surrounding musculoskeletal structures to determine whether there are findings that may be contributing to your symptoms. You may be reporting other signs that coincide with a concussion and this is where we refer you out for further evaluation making sure that you are getting the best care possible for your unique situation.
Your care is based on your examination findings and may include chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation, or other appropriate treatment options.
Lindley Chiropractic Health also offers Chattanooga Class 4 laser therapy as one of the treatment options available for appropriate patients.
Therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light applied to targeted areas of the body. It may be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan for certain painful or irritated tissues and can be used alongside chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation, and other conservative therapies.
Laser therapy is not appropriate for every patient or every injury. Dr. Lindley will determine whether it is appropriate based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Your first visit begins with a discussion about the accident, your symptoms, and how the injury is affecting your daily activities.
Dr. Lindley then performs a thorough evaluation and assessment of your overall movement. The goal is to understand which areas may have restricted movement or other musculoskeletal findings associated with your symptoms.
After the examination, Dr. Lindley will explain his findings and discuss his recommendations with you. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and understand your treatment options before care begins.
Because each accident and patient is different, your treatment plan is based on your individual condition rather than a predetermined routine.
Lindley Chiropractic Health is located in Gig Harbor and provides chiropractic care to patients throughout the surrounding communities.
We see patients from areas including:
Patients may find our office convenient following collisions occurring on Highway 16, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, State Route 302, I-5, Olympic Drive, Point Fosdick Drive, Harborview Drive, Artondale Drive, and other roads throughout the Gig Harbor area.
If you were injured in a collision while commuting through Gig Harbor, traveling across the Tacoma Narrows, or driving through the surrounding communities, our office can evaluate your condition and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
How soon should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, headaches, or other symptoms following an accident, an appropriate medical evaluation is important. The timing of chiropractic care depends on your individual circumstances and any recommendations from your medical providers.
Dr. Jack Lindley takes an individualized approach to auto accident care, with thorough evaluations and treatment plans that are reassessed as you progress.
Contact Lindley Chiropractic Health today to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward getting back to the activities you enjoy.
