Post-Accident Neck Pain: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Posted on Mar 11, 2025

If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Tacoma or the surrounding areas, you might be feeling sore, stiff, or even completely fine—at least for now. But before you brush off that lingering neck pain, it’s important to understand that symptoms don’t always appear immediately. What seems like a little discomfort today could turn into chronic pain down the road if left untreated.

At Accident and Injury Chiropractic, we’ve seen it all. Many patients walk through our doors thinking their neck pain is minor, only to discover that it’s a sign of something more serious. Whether it’s whiplash, muscle strain, or misalignment in the spine, post-accident neck pain should never be ignored.

Why Neck Pain After an Accident Is a Red Flag

Even at low speeds, car accidents can put immense strain on your neck and spine. The sudden force of impact can cause the soft tissues in your neck to stretch and tear, leading to whiplash—one of the most common auto accident injuries.

Whiplash and other neck injuries don’t always cause immediate pain. Some people start feeling stiff and sore within hours, while others don’t notice symptoms for days or even weeks. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to:

•          Chronic pain and stiffness

•          Reduced range of motion

•          Frequent headaches or migraines

•          Nerve irritation causing tingling or numbness

•          Long-term spinal misalignment

Chiropractic Treatment for Post-Accident Neck Pain

We provide personalized treatment plans to help you recover safely and effectively. Our chiropractic care approach is never one-size-fits-all—we tailor each plan to your specific injury, symptoms, and recovery goals.

Depending on your condition, your treatment plan may include a combination of:

•          Spinal Adjustments – Realigning the spine to restore proper function and relieve pressure on nerves

•          Muscle Stimulation Therapy – Reducing muscle tension and promoting healing

•          Cryotherapy & Heat Therapy – Easing inflammation and improving blood flow to the injured area

•          Cold Laser Therapy – Accelerating tissue repair and reducing pain

•          Spinal Decompression & Traction – Relieving pressure from compressed spinal discs

•          Therapeutic Stretches & Exercise Therapy – Strengthening muscles to support long-term recovery

Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to your life without relying on medication or invasive treatments.

Don’t Wait—Take Action Today

Neck pain after an accident isn’t something to push aside or hope will go away on its own. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to recover fully. We’re committed to helping Tacoma residents get the care they need to heal properly and prevent long-term complications.

If you’ve been in an accident, schedule a consultation with Accident and Injury Chiropractic for personalized treatment you need to recover. Visit our office in Tacoma, Washington, or call (253) 215-8350 to book an appointment today.