Auto Injury Care
Car Accident Chiropractor Grand Rapids
Hurt in a car accident? The Chiropractic Doctors in Grand Rapids provide same-week appointments, in-house digital x-rays, and fully documented findings for your insurance claim. Get the care you need and the records that protect you.
New Patient Special
$47
Consultation, Exam & X-rays
Available for new patients only. We will confirm within 1 business hour.
First Steps
What to Do After a Car Accident
The first thing to do after a car accident is make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange insurance information with the other driver and get a copy of the police report. Even if you feel fine at the scene, your body is flooded with adrenaline, which can mask pain for hours or even days. That is why so many people walk away from an accident thinking they are fine, only to wake up the next morning with severe neck pain, headaches, or back stiffness.
Getting evaluated by a chiropractor within the first 72 hours gives you two critical advantages. First, early treatment prevents minor injuries from becoming chronic problems. Soft tissue damage that goes untreated can lead to scar tissue, restricted motion, and ongoing pain that lasts months or years. Second, prompt medical evaluation creates documentation that ties your injuries directly to the accident. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment. If you wait weeks before seeking care, it becomes harder to prove that the accident caused your symptoms.
At The Chiropractic Doctors on 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids, we reserve same-week appointment slots specifically for car accident patients. Call (616) 432-3103 and let the front desk know you were in an accident. We will get you in quickly so your injuries are evaluated and documented before they have a chance to worsen.
Injuries We Treat
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash is the most common car accident injury we treat at our Grand Rapids office. It happens when the head is thrown forward and then snapped backward during a collision, straining the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, jaw pain, and difficulty concentrating. Even low-speed collisions can produce significant whiplash when the forces transfer through the seat and headrest into the cervical spine.
Back injuries are the second most common issue we see. The impact of a crash compresses spinal joints, irritates disc tissue, and strains the muscles that stabilize the spine. Patients report lower back pain, mid-back tightness, and sometimes radiating pain into the hips or legs. Disc herniations and bulges can develop when the force of the collision pushes disc material against a nerve root. These injuries may not show symptoms right away but become progressively worse without treatment.
We also treat shoulder injuries, headaches, jaw dysfunction (TMJ), and soft tissue damage throughout the body. Dr. Matthew Phinney, with over 35 years of experience from Palmer College, has treated thousands of car accident patients across Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, and Forest Hills. Our in-house digital x-rays allow us to rule out fractures and identify structural problems on the same day as your first visit.
Proven Care
How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Crash
The forces in a car accident push spinal joints out of their normal alignment. When those joints stay misaligned, the surrounding muscles tighten to protect the area, inflammation builds, and nerve function is compromised. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, which reduces muscle guarding, decreases inflammation, and allows the damaged tissues to heal correctly. Without realignment, the body compensates by shifting posture and loading other joints unevenly, which creates secondary problems over time.
At The Chiropractic Doctors, we use a combination of Thompson Drop Table adjustments and Diversified technique to treat car accident injuries. Dr. Drew Bailey and Dr. Alec Papes are both experienced in post-accident care and adjust the intensity and approach based on the severity of your injuries. In the early stages of recovery, gentler techniques protect damaged tissues while still restoring joint motion. As healing progresses, treatment intensity increases to rebuild strength and flexibility.
Many of our Grand Rapids patients also benefit from rehabilitation exercises, soft tissue therapy, and Class IV laser therapy as part of their recovery plan. The combination of spinal correction and rehabilitative support produces faster healing and better long-term outcomes than medication alone. Patients from Ada, Wyoming, Forest Hills, and throughout Kent County choose our office because we treat the injury at its source instead of simply covering up the pain.
Protecting Your Claim
Documentation for Insurance Claims
Proper documentation is one of the most important things you can have after a car accident. Insurance adjusters and attorneys need medical records that clearly show the nature and extent of your injuries, the treatments provided, and the connection between the accident and your condition. At The Chiropractic Doctors, we provide thorough, professional documentation from your very first visit.
Your initial evaluation includes a detailed health history, physical examination, neurological and orthopedic testing, and in-house digital x-rays when clinically indicated. We record range-of-motion measurements, pain levels, and functional limitations at every visit. These records create a clear timeline that shows how your injuries responded to treatment over the course of your care. If your case involves a personal injury claim, our records provide the clinical evidence needed to support it.
Michigan auto insurance includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers chiropractic treatment after a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault. Our front desk team is experienced in working with auto insurance carriers and can help you navigate the claims process. We work with patients from Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, and surrounding areas to make sure they receive the care they deserve while keeping their paperwork in order. Call (616) 432-3103 to get started.
Your Recovery
Treatment Timeline After a Car Accident
Recovery from a car accident follows a predictable pattern when treated properly. During the first one to two weeks, the focus is on reducing inflammation, restoring basic joint motion, and managing acute pain. Adjustments during this phase are gentle, and we may recommend ice, rest modifications, and pain management strategies you can use at home. Most patients begin to notice improvement in their symptoms within the first week of care.
Weeks three through six are the corrective phase. As inflammation subsides, we increase the intensity of adjustments and introduce rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility. This phase is critical because it addresses the structural damage that caused your symptoms in the first place. Skipping this phase or stopping treatment too early often leads to recurring pain and incomplete recovery.
After six to eight weeks, most patients transition to maintenance care. Visit frequency decreases, and the focus shifts to long-term stability and prevention. Some injuries, particularly severe whiplash or disc herniations, require longer treatment periods. Dr. Phinney will track your progress with objective measurements at every visit and adjust your care plan based on how your body is responding. Patients throughout Grand Rapids and surrounding communities like Ada and Forest Hills appreciate this structured, milestone-based approach to recovery.
Explore Our Services
Related Services
Whiplash Treatment
Specialized chiropractic care for whiplash injuries from car accidents with documented findings.
Learn more →Back Pain Treatment
Targeted treatment for lower and mid-back pain caused by auto accidents and spinal compression.
Learn more →Personal Injury Chiropractor
Comprehensive personal injury chiropractic care with full insurance documentation.
Learn more →Rehabilitation & Recovery
Guided rehabilitation and corrective exercise to restore strength and mobility after your accident.
Learn more →Common Questions
Car Accident Chiropractic FAQ
How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
As soon as possible, ideally within the first 72 hours. Many car accident injuries, especially whiplash, do not produce immediate symptoms. Getting evaluated early allows us to identify hidden injuries before they worsen. It also creates a documented medical record that connects your injuries to the accident, which is important for insurance claims.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor after an accident?
No. Chiropractors are primary care providers in Michigan. You can call The Chiropractic Doctors directly at (616) 432-3103 and schedule without a referral. We offer same-week appointments for car accident patients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
Will my auto insurance cover chiropractic care after a car accident?
Yes. Michigan auto insurance includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers chiropractic treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. This coverage applies regardless of who was at fault. Our team will help you understand your benefits and handle the necessary paperwork.
What should I bring to my first appointment after a car accident?
Bring your auto insurance information, a copy of the police report if available, and any medical records from the emergency room or urgent care if you were seen there first. Also write down the details of the accident, including the date, time, direction of impact, and any symptoms you have noticed since the crash. This helps our doctors build a complete picture.
Can chiropractic care help with injuries even if my accident was weeks ago?
Yes. While early treatment produces the best outcomes, chiropractic care can still help injuries that have gone untreated for weeks or even months. Many patients come to us after realizing that their pain is not going away on its own. Dr. Phinney will evaluate your condition and recommend a care plan based on your current findings.
START FEELING BETTER
Schedule your visit today
Start Feeling Better Today
Injured in a car accident? We can help.
Same-week appointments, in-house x-rays, and documented findings for your claim. Schedule your $47 new patient consultation at The Chiropractic Doctors.
5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546