You have just been in a car accident. Maybe it was a fender bender, or maybe your vehicle took a serious hit. Either way, your body experienced a sudden jolt — and even if you walked away feeling “fine,” that does not mean your spine, back and neck did. Many car crash injuries like whiplash, neck pain, or low back pain take hours or even days to show up. By the time you feel it, the damage has already started. That is why getting checked by a chiropractor right away can be one of the smartest decisions you make after an accident.
At Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, we help accident victims in Kingwood, Atascocita, and Porter heal fast — without relying on drugs or surgery. Tyler Hamel DC, FPSC, (C) has over 25 years of experience treating car crash injuries with natural, proven techniques like spinal adjustments, cold laser therapy, and focused shockwave therapy. Whether you are dealing with stiffness, headaches, or shooting pain down your arm or leg, chiropractic care could be the key to your recovery — and this blog is your guide to getting started. Being in a car accident can lead to injuries, from small bruises to serious back pain. Getting help from a chiropractor is key to healing.
Quick Insights
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. Even if your car only has minor damage, your body might not be so lucky. The most common injuries after a crash are whiplash, neck pain, and lower back pain — and they often do not show up right away. That is why seeing a chiropractor soon after your accident is so important. At Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, we help people in Kingwood, Texas heal naturally and safely without relying on pain pills or risky surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Whiplash and spinal injuries are very common after car accidents.
- Chiropractic care can help realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function.
- Delayed treatment may lead to long-term pain and mobility problems.
- Tyler Hamel DC, FPSC, (C) has over 25 years of experience helping car accident victims recover in Kingwood.
- Chiropractic is a research-backed, non-invasive treatment for car crash and whiplash related injuries.
Why It Matters
Every day, we hear stories of people who were in a car crash but did not feel pain until days or even weeks later. By then, their muscles are stiff, their neck will not turn properly, and the headaches just will not stop. That is why early chiropractic care makes all the difference. At Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, we are here to help you recover faster, avoid chronic pain, and get back to your normal life — without drugs or downtime. If you have been in a wreck, do not wait to get the care your spine needs.
Understanding Whiplash and Car Crash Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most misunderstood injuries. It happens when your head is suddenly thrown forward and backward — like during a rear-end collision. This force can stretch and tear muscles, ligaments, and even damage the joints in your neck and back.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Numbness in the arms or hands
Even low-speed crashes (under 15 mph) can cause significant damage. Many of our Kingwood chiropractic patients feel pain days after the crash. That is why we recommend a spinal checkup even if you are not in severe pain right away. Some of our car crash patients come in with cervical or lumbar disc herniations and severe pain, the speed of the car accident was only twenty-five miles per hour, they just happened to get hit the wrong way.
How Kingwood Chiropractic Can Help
At Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, our goal is to find and fix the problem — not just cover it up. When you come to us after a car accident, here is what you can expect:
1. Comprehensive Exam
We start with a full consultation, spinal exam, posture analysis, and if needed, digital X-rays and MRI to look for hidden injuries like misalignments or disc issues.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
Your treatment may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments to restore proper motion.
- Cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Focused Shockwave therapy for muscle and ligament injuries
- Stretching and rehab exercises to restore function
3. Ongoing Progress Checks
We track your healing week by week to make sure your body is responding and improving.
What Research Says
Chiropractic care is supported by strong scientific evidence when it comes to treating spinal injuries like whiplash and back pain. A 2018 study in the Journal of Pain found that chiropractic care reduced pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain compared to usual medical care.
Read the study summary from NIH here
Another review published in Spine Journal concluded that chiropractic manipulation is effective for managing neck pain and whiplash after car crashes.
See the research from Spine Journal here
We have seen these results firsthand with patients across Kingwood, Atascocita, and Porter, TX who return to their lives faster and with fewer long-term problems.
Why Acting Quickly After a Car Crash is Important
Here is what we often hear from new patients:
“I felt fine after the accident... then two weeks later I could barely move my neck.”
This delay is common — but dangerous. Inflammation builds up, joints lock up, and scar tissue starts to form. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to treat. With every whiplash type injury, the spine gets misaligned, the force on the neck and back is too much for it to handle. As a result of these misalignments or subluxations, there is extra stress and pressure put on the spinal joints and surrounding soft tissue in the area. As long as the spine is misaligned, continued pressure and stress on the spine are inevitable; this is why they will not heal effectively.
By visiting Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center right away, we can:
- Catch injuries early before they worsen.
- Reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.
- Improve your chances of a full, fast recovery.
- Document your injuries for any insurance claims.
Do You Need Chiropractic Care If You Have PIP or Insurance?
Yes! In Texas, most auto insurance policies offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical costs including chiropractic care — even if you are at fault. We help you understand your benefits and work with your insurance to make the process easy and stress-free. Most of the big insurance companies offer PIP insurance to their clients with their auto policy, such as Geico, USAA, Farmers, Travelers, State Farm, Progressive and more. PIP insurance usually has limits which are $2500, $5000, $7500 or $10000, you can use this for any medical treatment. For example, $10000 will get you a significant amount of chiropractic care including chiropractic adjustments, X-rays, shockwave therapy, cold laser therapy, deep tissue work and corrective exercises. If you go to the hospital after a car accident and they do a CT scan, MRI, blood work and you have to stay the night; it might eat up that entire $10000.
We also work with attorneys and third-party insurance companies if you are filing a legal claim. These days with most third party insurance claims, meaning that another person hit you and it is 100% their fault, a good Houston personal injury attorney is necessary. Be careful of the bait and switch tactics that insurance companies use, they call the victim and offer a couple of thousand dollars if the victim signs a form. By signing this form, as most victims do not realize, closes the case so they are not able to get chiropractic treatment or any other medical care even if they need it.
After a car accident, you might wonder why chiropractic care is important. Even if you do not feel hurt right away, it is key to think about chiropractic care. Car accidents can lead to injuries that are not obvious at first.
Why Choose Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center?
Dr. Tyler Hamel DC has served the Kingwood, TX area for over 25 years and is trusted by thousands of patients for his expertise in injury recovery. Our office offers:
- Advanced therapies like ESWT focused shockwave and cold laser
- Referral to imaging centers for X-ray and MRI
- Same-day appointments for accident victims
- A calm, healing environment focused on long-term results.
We are proud to be Kingwood’s trusted source for car accident and whiplash recovery and spinal health.
Real Stories from Our Patients
We recently treated a patient who had been rear-ended on I-69. She had a mild headache at first and thought she did not need care. But two weeks later, she could not sleep, had daily migraines, and could not work her job as a dental hygienist. After a full spine evaluation and 3 weeks of chiropractic care with adjustments and cold laser, she was sleeping better, had no headaches, and regained her neck mobility.
These results are common when you act early and follow a personalized plan. Here is what some of our patients are saying:
"My family and I went to the chiropractor after a car accident to treat whiplash injuries; and we've had very good results, and they're very kind."
"After the day of my accident my body was in pain my muscles were damaged and I couldn’t really do any physical activity without being in pain , thankfully I was referred to this place and the difference between now and then is almost unbelievable, I feel even better than before my accident , also the staff is really nice . Overall, a great experience"
"I have had such an amazing experience with Dr. Hamel. He is knowledgeable and patient. He truly cares about his patients and goes above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. I have delayed going to a chiropractor because I was not sure what to expect. But I have had such relief from chronic neck pain and discomfort. His Office Manager, Melissa, made the experience easy and even helped me get the information I needed for a referral. If you are looking to see a local chiropractor--this is THE PLACE."
FINAL THOUGHTS
Car accidents do not just damage vehicles — they impact your body in ways you might not notice right away. Do not let pain creep up and take over your life. With expert care from Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, you can recover fully, safely, and naturally. Whether it is whiplash, low back pain, or shoulder strain, our clinic is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call today and let us help you feel like yourself again — pain-free and confident.
If you have been in a car accident — no matter how minor — it is time to take care of your spine. Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center is ready to help you bounce back fast, feel better, and avoid chronic problems.
Call or text us at (281) 360-8387 to book your car accident evaluation.
Conveniently located in Kingwood, Texas, across the street from Kingwood Middle School and in the same shopping plaza as Domino's Pizza.
Learn more at www.kingwoodchiropracticspineandinjurycenter.com
FAQ
What are the benefits of seeking chiropractic care after a car accident?
Chiropractic care after a car accident can ease pain and help you heal. It also boosts your overall health. Chiropractors in Kingwood can spot and treat hidden injuries, preventing long-term damage. There are over 180 car accidents in the great Houston area every day, over 50% of these accident victims never get chiropractic care and as a result never fully recover from their whiplash injuries.
How long can I wait before seeking chiropractic care after a car accident?
Ideally, you should schedule a chiropractic evaluation within 24 to 72 hours after your accident — even if your pain has not started yet. Early chiropractic treatment can reduce inflammation, minimize scar tissue formation, and improve your recovery outcomes. Delaying care may lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.
What is whiplash, and how does chiropractic care help it?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion during a collision. It can damage muscles, joints, and nerves. Chiropractic care helps by realigning your spine, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal neck movement. At our Kingwood chiropractic clinic, we use gentle adjustments, cold laser therapy, and specific rehab to help patients recover from whiplash safely and effectively.
Do I need to see a chiropractor after a car accident even if I feel fine?
Yes. Even if you do not feel pain right away, your spine and soft tissues may have been injured. Whiplash and spinal misalignments can take days or weeks to show symptoms. At Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center, we often detect hidden injuries through digital X-rays and spinal exams — helping prevent long-term problems before they start.
Will my auto insurance cover chiropractic treatment after a car accident?
In most cases, yes. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured Motorist (UM) Insurance on your Texas auto insurance policy, it will cover chiropractic care — even if you are at fault. We help patients at Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center verify their benefits and file claims so they can focus on healing, not paperwork.
How can I find the best chiropractor in Kingwood for my needs?
To find the best chiropractor in Kingwood, look for a licensed expert with car accident experience. Ask friends, family, or your doctor for recommendations. This way, you find a chiropractor who fits your needs. Look at the US Chiropractic Directory online and you can look at a chiropractor’s CV to see what credentials they have. If you are in a car accident and have whiplash injuries, you want to go to a Kingwood chiropractic doctor who sees these types of patients all of the time.