Been in a Car Accident?
Even minor collisions can affect your body in ways that aren’t always obvious at first.
This page is here to help you understand what matters now… so small problems don’t turn into long-term ones.
No pressure.
No sales pitch.
Just clear guidance during a confusing time.
Why feeling “OK” right now can be misleading…
After an accident, it’s common to feel shaken but relatively fine — especially if the damage to the car looks minor or the pain fades quickly.
What most people aren’t told is this:
Even low-speed rear-end collisions can place significant force on the joints, discs, and ligaments of the neck and spine. Pain is often delayed, and symptoms may come and go before becoming chronic months or even years later.
In my practice, one of the most common things people say when dealing with chronic neck or back pain is:
“I was in a small accident years ago… but it didn’t seem that bad at the time.”
This page exists to help you avoid that outcome — by understanding what’s happening before decisions are rushed.
You don’t need to decide anything today.
What Actually Happens to the Spine in a Collision
When a car is struck from behind, the body doesn’t move as a single unit.
The torso is pushed forward by the seat, while the head momentarily lags behind — causing the neck to move backward and then forward in rapid succession. This happens in fractions of a second.
This rapid, multi-directional movement places stress on the ligaments and discs of the cervical spine — tissues designed for stability, not sudden acceleration and deceleration.
This happens in fractions of a second.
Even at low speeds, this motion can create:
Micro-tears in soft tissue
Joint irritation
Altered movement patterns
Delayed inflammation
Because adrenaline is high and damage is often subtle, symptoms may not fully show up right away. Pain can improve quickly… then return weeks, months, or even years later if the tissues don’t heal properly.
This is why accidents that seem “minor” at the time are so often linked to chronic neck and back pain down the road.
What to Do…
Give yourself time before making decisions. Healing and clarity don’t happen on an insurance adjuster’s timeline.
Get evaluated, even if symptoms feel mild or seem to be improving Early assessment helps ensure injuries heal properly — not just quickly.
Move normally and gently, as long as you’re not pushing into pain Light movement supports healing. Forcing through pain does not.
Pay attention to changes over the first several days
Stiffness, headaches, fatigue, or discomfort that comes and goes all matter.Document what you’re feeling, even if it seems minor
Small details early can be important later — medically and legally.
What NOT to Do…
Don’t assume no pain means no injury
Many soft-tissue injuries are delayed or masked by adrenaline.Don’t rush into settlements or paperwork
Accepting money or signing documents can limit options before the full picture is clear.Don’t ignore symptoms because life is busy
Minor issues left unaddressed often become chronic problems later.Don’t let anyone pressure you to “wait it out”
Waiting without guidance isn’t the same as allowing the body to heal properly.
A Helpful Reminder…
Healing isn’t about overreacting —it’s about responding wisely, early, and with good information.
Common Questions after a Car Accident
In the days and weeks after an accident, it’s normal to feel unsure about what matters — medically, legally, and practically.
These are the questions people ask most often when they’re trying to make sense of what to do next.
Should I see a Doctor after an accident? Even if I feel fine? Here’s what you need to know.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See First? ER? Urgent Care? Chiropractor? PCP?
Should I Talk With the Other Driver’s Insurance? Here’s What to Consider First.
How Do I Know if I Need an Attorney? How Soon Should I Contact One?
For clear, step-by-step explanations of these topics — written to reduce confusion, not increase fear — I recommend this free educational resource:
It exists to help people understand their options and avoid rushed decisions, even if that simply means getting a few questions answered.
After an accident, many people feel confident about the physical side of healing — but unsure how to navigate insurance calls, paperwork, or legal questions.
That uncertainty is normal.
If you want a free, no-pressure resource to help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — I recommend AfterAccident.com.
It was created to help people sort through the confusion that often follows a collision, from both a medical and legal standpoint. Even if it simply means getting a few questions answered, it can bring clarity and peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time.
Visit AfterAccident.com
If You’d Like Local Guidance…
If you’re in the Vancouver area and would like an evaluation focused on helping your body heal correctly — not just getting out of pain, my team and I are here to help.
There’s no obligation and no rush.
Just honest answers, clear communication, and care that respects how the body actually heals.
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out…