Auto Accident Chiropractor in Elizabethtown
Symptoms of Whiplash
A car accident may affect far more than your vehicle. The sudden force of impact can place stress on your spine, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, even in a minor collision. In many cases, symptoms are not immediate. You may walk away feeling shaken but otherwise fine, only to notice pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility in the hours or days that follow.
We provide care for patients recovering from auto accidents, focusing on helping the body heal, move better, and function more comfortably. At Commonwealth Family Chiropractic, Dr. Paul Eriksen has more than 25 years of experience caring for individuals dealing with accident-related injuries, including whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue strain. Our goal is to help you understand what your body has been through and support your recovery with care tailored to your needs.
Common Concerns After an Accident
One of the most common injuries after a collision is whiplash. This happens when the head is suddenly forced forward and backward, placing strain on the neck and surrounding muscles. Whiplash can lead to stiffness, soreness, headaches, and difficulty turning your head comfortably. It may also affect your posture and how your spine moves after an injury.
Auto accidents may also contribute to mid-back tension, shoulder discomfort, lower back pain, inflammation, and general soreness throughout the body. Because these issues can build gradually, it is important to pay attention to even subtle changes after an accident.
How a Collision Affects the Body
Your car may be able to absorb impact, but your body still experiences the force of that sudden movement. When the spine and soft tissues are jarred unexpectedly, it can create strain, irritation, and changes in how the body moves.
Without proper attention, these changes may linger longer than expected. What starts as mild stiffness can begin to interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and daily routines, which is why early evaluation can be helpful.
What to Expect From Care
Your first visit is focused on understanding how the accident affected your body and where your symptoms may be coming from. Dr. Eriksen will evaluate your spinal movement, muscle tension, range of motion, and overall function, and review your accident history and current concerns. This helps us build a care plan based on your body, your symptoms, and your recovery goals.
Care after an auto accident may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments to improve motion
- Soft tissue techniques to ease tension
- Cold therapy to calm inflammation
- Exercises to support strength and stability
Whiplash care is often an important part of this process, especially when the neck has been affected by the force of impact. Addressing those changes early may help reduce the chance of longer-lasting discomfort and support more natural movement.
Why Early Care Matters
Book Your Appointment Today
If you have been in a car accident, it’s worth paying attention to what your body is telling you, even if symptoms seem mild at first. Early care can make a real difference in how you recover.
For your convenience, we accept and file automobile accident insurance at no additional cost to you. Contact Commonwealth Family Chiropractic today to schedule your visit and take the next step toward recovery.

