Auto Accident Chiropractor in Kingsport, TN
loss of consciousness, confusion or a worsening headache, vomiting, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, severe neck pain with any of these, chest or abdominal pain, or trouble breathing. Call 911 or go to the ER. Suspected concussions are referred to a physician.
Common injuries after a car accident
- •Whiplash and neck pain: strain of the neck's muscles, ligaments and joints from a sudden back-and-forth movement
- •Back pain: low and mid-back strain from the seat belt and impact
- •Headaches that start in the neck
- •Shoulder pain from bracing on the wheel or the seat belt
- •Pinched nerve symptoms: arm or leg tingling, numbness or pain
- •Herniated disc in more forceful collisions
Why get checked even if you feel fine
Adrenaline masks pain at the scene, and soft tissue injuries often stiffen and ache over the next 24 to 72 hours. Getting examined early gives you a clear starting point for treatment, catches injuries that need imaging or a physician, and creates a record of your injuries from the start.
How chiropractic care helps after an accident
- 1.Exam. History of the crash, a full neck and back exam, nerve and strength tests, and screening for concussion and injuries that need medical care first. X-rays on site when needed.
- 2.Early care. Gentle movement, soft tissue work and, when appropriate, gentle adjustments using techniques like Activator or drop table that suit a freshly injured neck or back.
- 3.Rebuilding. Neck and trunk exercises (corrective exercise) so you get back to normal activity and are less likely to have lingering pain.
- 4.Re-checks and referral. Progress is re-checked regularly. If you're not improving, or imaging is needed, you're referred.
The OPTIMa clinical guideline for neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders supports exercise, education and manual therapy in the early weeks after a crash, and advises against long periods of rest or immobilization.
Insurance and payment after a car accident
We accept auto accident and personal injury cases. Depending on your situation, your care may be covered by your own health insurance, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on your auto policy, or the at-fault driver's insurance. Tennessee is an at-fault state, so coverage can take time to sort out. Tell us your visit is accident-related when you book, and bring your claim number and any adjuster or attorney contact information.
Auto accident care in Kingsport
We see people after crashes on I-26, I-81, Stone Drive, Fort Henry Drive and every road in between, from fender benders to more serious collisions. Most new patients are seen within a week; call 423-239-9122 and tell us it's accident-related.
Common Questions
Clinical Sources & Guidelines
- Côté P, Wong JJ, Sutton D, et al. Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. European Spine Journal. 2016;25(7):2000-2022.
“After a wreck, the sooner you're checked, the smoother the recovery — even if nothing hurts yet.”
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.