Medically Integrated Chiropractic Center of Indianapolis
Recovering from a Car Accident: What to Expect and How We Can Help
Car accidents can be traumatic — not just emotionally, but physically. Even minor collisions can result in injuries that worsen over time if left untreated. At MICC Indy, we specialize in helping patients recover fully and safely through chiropractic care. Here's what you need to know about symptoms, recovery, and how we support your healing journey.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which aren’t immediately visible. Some of the most common include:
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Whiplash: A rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck that injures muscles and ligaments.
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Back Pain: Often due to the trauma caused by the impact of the collision.
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Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruising, muscle tears, and inflammation are common in shoulders, neck, and lower back.
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Headaches or Concussions: Caused by direct or indirect impact or jarring motion during the crash.
Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, these injuries can worsen without proper care.​
Symptoms to Watch For After an Accident
Some symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. Don’t ignore these common warning signs:
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Persistent neck or back pain
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Stiffness or reduced range of motion
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Headaches that won’t go away
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Dizziness or blurred vision
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Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
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Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
​If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to seek professional evaluation — early care can prevent chronic pain later.​
Your Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Recovery looks different for everyone, but here’s a general timeline you can expect:
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First 72 Hours: Swelling, stiffness, and pain may peak. Chiropractic care can reduce inflammation and help start the healing process.
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1–2 Weeks Post-Accident: Symptoms may shift or worsen as adrenaline decreases and as your body tries to adapt to its injuries.
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3–6 Weeks: Most patients begin to see improvements in mobility, sleep, and a decrease in pain levels.
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6–10 Weeks: Patients have usually returned to the majority of their activities and should have little remaining pain.
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10+ Weeks: Continued care may be needed to address deeper structural issues and prevent long-term complications.
We perform re-examinations throughout the treatment timeline to help gauge progress and make changes accordingly.​
How MICC Indy Helps After a Car Accident
Chiropractic care addresses both the pain and the cause of the pain. Here's how we help:
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Chiropractic Adjustments: Helps to improve and restore mobility to the joints.
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Soft Tissue Therapies: Reduces muscle tension, improve circulation, and speed-up healing.
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Rehabilitation Exercises: Rebuilds strength and helps to prevent re-injury.
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Class IV Laser: Decreases muscle spasms, increases blood flow, and decreases pain.
Ready to Heal the Right Way?
Let us help you take control of your recovery. Contact MICC Indy to schedule your first visit. We work with most attorneys and auto insurance providers and can help guide you through the process.