Why your neck hurts after a crash
In a collision, your neck takes the force of your head being thrown forward and back. That can strain or sprain the muscles and ligaments, irritate the small facet joints in your spine, or aggravate a disc. "Whiplash" is one cause of crash-related neck pain — but stiffness and soreness can also come from these strains and joint injuries on their own.
Like whiplash, neck pain after a crash is often delayed. You can feel okay at the scene and wake up barely able to turn your head.
Symptoms we check for
General education — not a diagnosis. We evaluate first.
- Stiffness or pain when turning or tilting your head
- Soreness that spreads into the shoulders or upper back
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- A "catch" or sharp pain with certain movements
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness running down an arm
- Pain that started or worsened a day or two after the crash
Tingling or weakness down an arm can mean a nerve is involved — worth getting checked promptly.
Why a same-week exam matters
Adjusters and attorneys both look at the gap between your crash and your first visit. A prompt exam documents what hurts and when — in plain language — while it's still clearly connected to the accident. That record is what protects your claim later.
We don't promise outcomes. We tell you what we see, in writing.
How we treat neck pain
Every plan starts with an exam. Then we use the tools that fit your injury:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore movement in the neck joints
- Soft-tissue work and therapeutic stretching for tight, guarded muscles
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and moist heat to calm spasm and pain
- Mechanical traction when the exam points to disc or nerve irritation
- At-home exercises to rebuild strength and motion between visits
If your exam shows something outside our scope, we say so and refer you to the right provider.
What this costs you
Most patients pay $0 at the visit. With active Minnesota no-fault (PIP), we verify benefits and bill your auto insurer directly. Working with an attorney? We bill on lien when appropriate. No coverage? We tell you a transparent number before you book.
Schedule your free consultation
Leave your name and number and we'll call to lock in your free consultation during business hours (Mon–Fri 9a–12p & 2–6p). After hours, we follow up the next morning. Your information stays with the clinic.
⏱ Typical response time during business hours: 1–2 hours. In a hurry? Call (651) 202-3178 directly.