Car accidents happen in seconds, but the impact on your body can last for years—especially when it comes to spine injuries. Even in low-speed collisions, damage to the spine isn’t always obvious at first. Pain might show up days or weeks later, and if you don’t treat it early, it can lead to long-term complications.
If you’ve been in an accident around Warren, Sterling Heights, Roseville, Madison Heights, or Eastpointe, this article is for you.
Why Spine Injuries Often Go Unnoticed After a Crash
When your car gets hit, your body absorbs a sudden jolt. That force can stretch, twist, or compress the spine, even if you don’t feel anything right away.
Here’s why spine injuries can be “invisible” at first:
- Adrenaline masks pain during and shortly after the crash.
- Inflammation takes time to build up, sometimes 24–72 hours later.
- Microtears and misalignments may not show up on standard scans initially.
- You might blame soreness on seatbelt pressure or tension, not realizing it’s a deeper spinal issue.
Common Hidden Spine Injuries from Car Accidents
1. Whiplash
The most well-known injury from rear-end collisions. Whiplash strains the neck muscles and damages soft tissues in the cervical spine. If untreated, it can lead to chronic neck pain and headaches.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
Discs between your vertebrae can shift or rupture from the impact, pressing on nearby nerves. You might feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs days after the crash.
3. Spinal Misalignment
Even a minor accident can knock your spine out of alignment, affecting posture, balance, and nerve function. Left untreated, misalignment can wear down your joints and create lasting discomfort.
4. Facet Joint Injuries
These small joints between the vertebrae can get jammed or irritated during an accident, causing sharp pain with certain movements.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you experience any of these after a car accident, they may be warning signs of a spinal injury:
- Neck or back stiffness
- Numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Sudden headaches
- Pain when sitting, standing, or walking
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty turning your head or bending over
These symptoms are your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. Don’t brush them off.
Why Early Treatment Is So Important
Delaying care can make things worse. A minor disc bulge today could become a major herniation in a few weeks. Misalignment can lead to uneven pressure on joints, which speeds up wear and tear.
At Spinal Recovery Center, we focus on identifying and correcting spinal damage before it becomes a lifelong issue. Our team uses non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression, chiropractic care, and physical therapy to get you back on track—without pills or invasive procedures.
What to Expect at Spinal Recovery Center
We don’t guess—we assess. Here’s what happens when you come to us after an accident:
- Detailed Consultation – We go over your accident history and symptoms in depth.
- Targeted Exam & Imaging – If necessary, we’ll use digital diagnostics to check for misalignments, disc issues, or nerve compression.
- Customized Treatment Plan – You’ll get a care plan tailored to your condition—nothing cookie-cutter.
- Ongoing Support – We monitor your progress closely and adjust your therapy as needed.
Our clinic serves patients from Warren, Center Line, Fraser, Eastpointe, and Clinton Township, and we’re known for helping people bounce back fast—without surgery.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Your car can be fixed anytime. But your spine? That’s not something you want to gamble with.
If you’ve recently been in an accident—no matter how small—schedule an evaluation today. Let’s make sure there’s no hidden damage. The sooner you act, the better your chances of full recovery.
Spinal Recovery Center
📍 2243 East 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092
📞 (586) 573-8100
🌐 www.spinalrecoverycenter.com
Been in a car accident? Don’t ignore the signs. Call (586) 573-8100 or visit spinalrecoverycenter.com to schedule your spine evaluation today.
