Injury & Accidents
Auto Accident Injury
Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Also called: Motor vehicle accident injury, Car accident injury.
Collisions commonly produce neck, mid-back, low back, and shoulder complaints, and symptoms frequently develop over the following days rather than appearing immediately.
The forces involved, even in lower-speed collisions, can affect joints, muscles, and the nervous system in ways that aren't always obvious right away.
Why this matters
Documenting findings early is useful clinically, since it establishes a clear baseline, and it is often practically useful as well if there are insurance or legal considerations.
Symptoms that seem minor at first can become more limiting over the following weeks if the underlying injury isn't properly evaluated and addressed.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Balance, coordination, and stress-response findings are commonly affected after a collision, and those can be objectively measured rather than only asked about.
The suddenness and unpredictability of a collision can activate the stress-response system in ways that linger well past the physical injury itself.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Emergency or medical assessment comes first after any significant collision, particularly where there was a head impact or loss of consciousness.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.