Injuries
Auto Accident Injuries
Post-collision neck, back and joint pain, including whiplash and delayed-onset symptoms.
What auto accident injuries is
Collision forces load the spine in ways ordinary movement never does. Symptoms often appear hours or days later, after the initial adrenaline and inflammation cycle.
We evaluate patients after motor vehicle collisions to determine what was actually injured, treat the pain generators directly, and document findings clearly for the patient's records.
Common symptoms
- Neck or back pain that appeared within days of a collision
- Headaches, dizziness or jaw pain following impact
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Pain that has not resolved after several weeks
Common causes
- Rear-end, side-impact or head-on motor vehicle collisions
- Sudden deceleration forces even at relatively low collision speeds
- Airbag deployment forces to the neck, chest or wrist
- Being struck as a pedestrian or cyclist
- Secondary falls or being thrown against interior surfaces during a crash
How it is diagnosed
After a collision, evaluation begins with a detailed account of the impact direction and speed, since this helps predict which structures are most likely injured. Symptoms frequently emerge over the following day or two rather than immediately.
The physical exam screens the neck, back, shoulders and any joint that struck the vehicle interior, along with a neurological check of the arms and legs. Imaging is used selectively based on exam findings rather than automatically for every patient.
For pain that persists past the first few weeks, diagnostic blocks help confirm whether a facet joint, disc or nerve root is the ongoing source, which guides the next treatment step and provides clear documentation for your records.
Treatment options we offer
Which of these applies depends on your examination and, where appropriate, a diagnostic block confirming the source of your auto accident injuries.
- Medial Branch BlocksA precise diagnostic block of the small nerves carrying pain from a facet joint, used to plan longer-lasting treatment.
- Epidural Steroid InjectionsAnti-inflammatory medication delivered precisely around an irritated spinal nerve root to relieve radiating arm or leg pain.
- Radiofrequency AblationRadio waves used to interrupt pain signals from confirmed facet or sacroiliac nerves, often giving relief for a year or more.
- Trigger Point InjectionsSmall injections into taut, tender muscle bands that release the knot and reduce referred pain.
When to see a specialist
- Neck, back or joint pain that appeared within days of a collision
- Headaches, dizziness or jaw pain that began after the crash
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg
- Pain that has not meaningfully improved after several weeks
- Severe pain, confusion, or any loss of consciousness at the time of the crash, which should be evaluated in an emergency setting first
Common questions
Can a low-speed collision cause real injury?
Why do symptoms sometimes start days after the accident?
Will I need an attorney to be seen here?
How soon after an accident should I be evaluated?
Related conditions
- Neck InjuriesWhiplash, strain and facet injury of the cervical spine following collisions, falls and sports impacts.
- Low Back InjuriesLumbar strain, disc and joint injuries from lifting, falls and repetitive load, with or without leg pain.
- Work-Related InjuryOccupational spine and joint injuries, with documentation and coordination for return-to-work planning.
- Athletic InjuriesSport and training injuries of the spine and joints, managed with an emphasis on return to activity.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.