By Dr. Bo Brooks, Chiropractor in Tamarac, FL
Car accidents—especially minor ones—can leave more than just a dent in your bumper. Often, fender benders result in injuries that don’t become apparent until days or even weeks later. While you might feel fine immediately after a crash, hidden injuries can manifest slowly and silently, eventually interfering with your quality of life. That’s why it’s important to recognize the less obvious signs that your body may need attention.
At the office of Dr. Bo Brooks, we specialize in helping patients recover from auto accident injuries—no matter how small the incident might seem. Below are five surprising signs that could mean it’s time to schedule a chiropractic evaluation.
1. Persistent Headaches
Headaches that begin days after an accident are often dismissed as stress-related, but they can be a sign of whiplash, neck misalignment, or even a concussion. These headaches may start off dull and build in intensity, or they may feel like pressure behind the eyes or at the base of the skull.
Why chiropractic care helps: Realigning the cervical spine can relieve pressure on nerves and muscles, helping to alleviate post-traumatic headaches at the source.
2. Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating
Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally “cloudy” could indicate a neurological impact from the accident. Brain fog is often tied to whiplash injuries that affect the upper spine and interfere with the nervous system’s normal function.
Don’t ignore this symptom—it may mean more than just fatigue. Chiropractic adjustments can support nervous system health and improve cognitive clarity.
3. Shoulder or Upper Back Stiffness
You may not feel immediate neck pain after a fender bender, but stiffness or limited range of motion in the shoulders or upper back can be a red flag. This stiffness often stems from muscle strains or spinal misalignments caused by the force of the accident.
Chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises can help restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and prevent long-term damage.
4. Tingling or Numbness in the Arms or Hands
These sensations may be signs of nerve compression, commonly due to herniated discs or misaligned vertebrae in the neck or upper back. Even a low-speed crash can cause subtle injuries that pinch or irritate spinal nerves.
Chiropractic care can address the root of these symptoms before they progress to more severe neurological issues.
5. Jaw Pain or Clicking (TMJ Symptoms)
Many people are surprised to learn that jaw discomfort following a car accident can be a result of whiplash. The abrupt motion of your head can impact the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to pain, clicking, or even headaches.
Chiropractic treatment for TMJ dysfunction can reduce jaw tension and restore alignment in the surrounding musculature and bones.
Why Early Chiropractic Intervention Matters
Even if you walked away from your car accident without any obvious pain, it’s still wise to be evaluated by a chiropractor. Minor injuries can evolve into chronic pain, decreased mobility, or even long-term neurological problems if left unaddressed.
At Dr. Bo Brooks Chiropractic, we use proven diagnostic methods and personalized care plans to ensure your body heals correctly—so you don’t have to suffer months or years later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
A: Ideally, within the first 72 hours. However, even if weeks have passed, it’s never too late to evaluate hidden injuries.
Q: I didn’t have pain at the scene—could I still be injured?
A: Absolutely. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain. Symptoms often appear days or weeks later.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with whiplash?
A: Yes. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy are among the most effective treatments for whiplash-related pain and stiffness.
Q: Is it safe to get adjusted after a car accident?
A: Yes, especially when you’re under the care of an experienced chiropractor like Dr. Brooks, who will tailor your treatment to your specific condition.
Q: Do I need a referral or imaging before seeing a chiropractor?
A: No referral is necessary. If imaging is required, we can guide you through the process and coordinate with other medical providers.
Contact Dr. Bo Brooks for Post-Accident Chiropractic Care
If you’ve been in a recent fender bender—even if you feel okay—don’t wait until symptoms escalate. Get ahead of potential injuries with an expert chiropractic assessment.
Dr. Bo Brooks
📍 7809 W Commercial Blvd
Tamarac, FL 33351
📞 Phone: (954) 718-0390
Business Hours
Monday: 9:30-1:00 & 2:30-6:00
Tuesday: 8:00-12:00 & 2:30-6:00
Wednesday: 9:30-12:00 & 2:30-6:00
Thursday: 1:00-6:00
Friday: 8:00-12:00
Take the first step toward healing—contact us today to schedule your chiropractic evaluation.