Quam Chiropractic | Kent, WA
Back pain is one of the most common — and most frustrating — symptoms people experience after a car accident. Whether the crash was a high-speed collision or a low-impact fender bender, the force involved can cause serious stress to your spine, muscles, and nerves. In some cases, symptoms show up immediately. In others, the pain develops slowly over days or weeks.
At Quam Chiropractic in Kent, WA, we help patients recover from back pain caused by auto accidents with safe, drug-free care. If you’re suffering from back pain after a crash, here’s what you need to know — and why early treatment is so important.
Why Car Accidents Commonly Cause Back Pain
During a collision, your body is suddenly and forcefully moved in ways it wasn’t designed to absorb. Even with a seatbelt and airbags, your spine can be jolted, compressed, or twisted, leading to a range of injuries. The muscles surrounding the spine tighten to protect your body, often resulting in strain or inflammation.
The back is particularly vulnerable because it supports so much of your movement and posture. Pain may originate from the neck, middle back, or lower back, depending on how your body absorbed the impact.
Types of Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
1. Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle strains and ligament sprains are extremely common and can lead to stiffness, soreness, and limited movement. These injuries often don’t show up on X-rays, which is why they’re sometimes overlooked in emergency rooms.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
The spine’s discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. A sudden jolt can cause a disc to slip, bulge, or rupture, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms.
3. Spinal Misalignments
Accidents can shift the spine out of alignment, causing pain, tension, and reduced range of motion. Misalignments may also lead to muscle imbalances and poor posture if not corrected.
4. Facet Joint Injuries
The small joints connecting your vertebrae can become irritated or inflamed during a crash. This often causes pain when bending, twisting, or standing for long periods.
Delayed Back Pain: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
It’s common for back pain to appear hours or even days after an accident. This delay is usually due to adrenaline, inflammation, or your body’s natural shock response.
Unfortunately, waiting too long to address these symptoms can make the problem worse. Small injuries can develop into chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even nerve damage if left untreated.
If you notice pain, stiffness, or discomfort — even if it seems minor — it’s best to get evaluated right away by a chiropractor trained in post-accident care.
How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Car Accident
At Quam Chiropractic, we specialize in treating accident-related back pain through:
- Chiropractic Adjustments – Realigning the spine to relieve pressure and restore proper movement
- Massage Therapy – Easing muscle tension, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue healing
- Rehabilitation Exercises – Helping you rebuild strength, stability, and flexibility
- Postural Corrections – Improving body mechanics to prevent recurring strain or imbalance
We also provide referrals for imaging (X-rays or MRIs) when necessary and create personalized treatment plans based on your unique injury.
Should I See a Chiropractor or a Medical Doctor?
Both can play important roles. You should always seek emergency medical care immediately after a crash if you suspect fractures, head injuries, or internal trauma. But once you’re stable, a chiropractor can address spinal injuries, soft tissue strain, and joint dysfunction — issues that often go undetected in traditional ER settings.
At Quam Chiropractic, we frequently coordinate care with other providers and can help guide you through follow-up care, insurance claims, and documentation.
Don’t Let Back Pain Become a Long-Term Problem
Back pain after a car accident is not something to push through or ignore. What starts as soreness today could lead to months or years of chronic pain if not addressed early. Chiropractic care offers a safe, proven way to recover without drugs or surgery — and it works best when started soon after the injury.
If you’ve recently been in a car crash and are experiencing any kind of back pain, contact Quam Chiropractic in Kent, WA to schedule your evaluation. We’re here to help you heal, feel better, and move forward — pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is back pain common after a car accident?
Yes. It’s one of the most frequent symptoms following a crash, even in low-speed impacts.
2. Why does back pain sometimes appear days later?
The body often delays pain response due to adrenaline and shock. Inflammation builds over time, causing symptoms to appear hours or days later.
3. What kind of injuries cause back pain after a crash?
Back pain may stem from spinal misalignments, herniated or bulging discs, muscle strains, or irritated joints and nerves.
4. Can chiropractic care really help with back pain?
Absolutely. Chiropractors treat the root cause through spinal adjustments, posture correction, and soft tissue therapy — without drugs or surgery.
5. What’s the difference between a strain and a disc injury?
A strain affects muscles and ligaments, while a disc injury involves the cushions between vertebrae — sometimes pressing on nerves.
6. Do I need imaging before seeing a chiropractor?
Not always. Chiropractors assess your condition and may refer you for X-rays or an MRI if they suspect deeper structural injuries.
7. Is chiropractic treatment safe after an accident?
Yes. Chiropractors use safe, precise techniques designed for injury recovery — especially when care is started early.
8. Can I visit a chiropractor without a referral?
Yes. You can schedule directly with a chiropractor like Quam Chiropractic without needing a referral from a primary care doctor.
9. Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. Auto insurance and PIP (Personal Injury Protection) plans typically cover chiropractic treatment for accident-related injuries.
10. How long does it take to recover from accident-related back pain?
Recovery depends on the injury’s severity. Many patients feel significant relief within a few weeks with consistent care.
