Even a low-speed fender-bender can rattle your nervous system, stiffen your neck and back, and hijack your sleep. Los Angeles traffic creates a special kind of stop-and-go stress; add adrenaline and you might feel “fine” at the scene, only to wake up sore the next day. This guide summarizes what I teach patients after 37 years and 500,000+ visits: what to do in the first 72 hours, how chiropractic care fits into recovery, when to involve your primary care or urgent care, and how to communicate with insurance without losing momentum. None of this replaces medical evaluation—when in doubt, get checked.
First 72 Hours: Calm, Document, Protect
- Rule out emergencies: If you have head injury, loss of consciousness, severe headache, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, progressive weakness/numbness, or any red flag—go to urgent care or the ER first.
- Document everything: Photos of vehicles, position of headrests/seat, and your symptoms (even if mild). Keep a simple symptom log for the first week.
- Gentle movement: Short walks and pain-free range of motion beat total bed rest for most neck/back strains.
- Comfort care: Alternate heat/ice based on comfort; light diaphragmatic breathing lowers guarding.
Common Post-Crash Patterns
- Neck strain/“whiplash” pattern: Stiffness, headaches, trouble looking over the shoulder.
- Mid-back & rib irritation: Seatbelt/airbag tension can tighten chest wall and thoracic joints.
- Low back/sacroiliac irritation: Often from bracing and seat rebound.
- Stress overlay: Sleep disruption and “hyper-alert” driving after the event are common and normal.
Where Chiropractic Fits (And Where It Doesn’t—Yet)
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring joint motion, calming overworked soft tissues, and re-teaching efficient movement. A typical plan begins gently and progresses as symptoms settle.
- Assessment: History of the crash (head position, impact side), movement testing, neurologic screen when indicated.
- Early care: Gentle mobilization, soft tissue work, and home drills (breathing, chin tucks, pelvic tilts) within tolerance.
- Progression: As pain quiets, we layer in controlled strengthening and postural endurance.
Not yet: If you have red-flag symptoms, suspected fracture, or concussion signs, we coordinate imaging and medical care first and adapt treatment accordingly.
Realistic Timelines
- Mild strain/sprain: Noticeable improvement in 2–6 visits over 2–4 weeks with daily home care.
- Moderate presentations: 4–8 weeks with phased strengthening and work/drive modifications.
- Persistent cases: We re-evaluate, consider imaging, and collaborate with your MD or PT.
Driving & Work Modifications (LA-Specific)
- Drive posture: Seat higher with hips slightly above knees; headrest close; gentle lumbar support.
- Commute pacing: Add a few extra minutes so you aren’t white-knuckling in traffic; micro-breaks on longer drives.
- Desk days: 25/5 rhythm (work/move), eyes-level monitor, phone at eye level.
Insurance & Paperwork Without Losing Your Mind
- Start with care: Don’t wait for a claim number to begin a conservative plan—document symptoms and functional limits early.
- Clarity: Keep a one-page summary of dates, symptoms, and work/drive limits; it helps your claim and keeps your team aligned.
- Coordination: We can share notes with your primary care, attorney (if any), and claims adjuster as needed.
When to Escalate Care
Seek urgent evaluation for worsening neurologic signs (numbness/weakness), new severe headache, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or red-flag back pain (fever, night pain, trauma with bony tenderness).