Many people walk away from a car accident believing they’re fine, only to wake up days later with increasing back pain. This is a common experience after an auto accident, and it’s one reason why seeking prompt evaluation is so important.
At Ornelas Chiropractic, we help patients throughout Tucson recover from accident related back injuries with personalized chiropractic care designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support long term healing.
Why Doesn't Back Pain Start Right Away?
After a collision, your body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones that can temporarily mask pain. As these hormones wear off, inflammation increases, muscles tighten, and injured tissues begin to react.
It’s common for back pain to appear:
- Several hours after the accident
- The next morning
- Two to three days later
- Even a week after the collision
Just because you don’t feel pain immediately doesn’t mean you weren’t injured.
Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident
Every accident is different, but some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Lumbar sprains
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Facet joint injuries
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Spinal misalignment
Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
If you’ve recently been in a collision, pay attention to symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
- Pain radiating into the hips or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods
These symptoms may indicate injuries that require professional evaluation.
Why Early Chiropractic Care Matters
At Ornelas Chiropractic, every auto accident patient receives a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Orthopedic examination
- Neurological examination
- Spinal examination
- Range of motion testing
- Personalized treatment plan
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Therapeutic exercises
- Soft tissue therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound therapy
- Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (when appropriate)
Our goal is to restore normal movement while helping your body heal naturally.
Can Back Pain Become Chronic?
Yes.
When injuries aren’t properly treated, your body often compensates by changing how you move. This compensation can place additional stress on muscles, joints, and discs, leading to ongoing discomfort months or even years after the accident.
Early care helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Why Choose Ornelas Chiropractic for Auto Injury Care in Tucson?
Ornelas Chiropractic has helped people throughout Tucson recover from auto accident injuries.
We provide comprehensive chiropractic care focused on helping patients:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Recover safely
- Return to everyday activities
Whether your accident happened yesterday or your symptoms have gradually worsened, our team is here to help.
Schedule an Auto Injury Evaluation in Tucson
If you’re experiencing back pain after a car accident, don’t wait for the discomfort to become worse.
The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances of making a full recovery.
Contact Ornelas Chiropractic today to schedule your evaluation at one of our Tucson locations.