Introduction: The Silent Damage of MVAs
A motor vehicle accident (MVA) can change a person's life in an instant. While visible injuries like cuts and bruises are easy to spot, many people walk away from accidents unaware that deeper musculoskeletal injuries have occurred. Musculoskeletal injuries affect muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These injuries may not show symptoms right away, but can cause serious problems over time. Pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and long-term damage are just some of the outcomes if left untreated.
A common question many people ask after an accident is: "Will I recover fully, and how long will it take?" The answer depends on the injury type, severity, and treatment plan. Chiropractic care has become a trusted, non-invasive approach for treating these hidden injuries and helping people return to their everyday lives.
(Advantage Healthcare Systems, n.d.; Aguiar Injury Lawyers, n.d.)
Understanding Musculoskeletal Injuries After a Car Accident
When the body is suddenly jolted during a collision, it experiences forces beyond normal limits. Even in minor fender-benders, the body can be thrown forward and backward quickly. This whiplash motion often injures soft tissues like muscles and ligaments in the neck, back, and shoulders. Additionally, joints can be pushed out of alignment, and discs between vertebrae can be damaged.
Musculoskeletal injuries may include:
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Whiplash
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Muscle strains
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Ligament sprains
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Herniated or bulging spinal discs
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Joint dislocations
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Pinched or compressed nerves
These injuries can affect daily functioning, including walking, working, sleeping, and participating in hobbies or sports. Without proper treatment, musculoskeletal injuries can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.
(Florida Physical Medicine, n.d.; Tortslaw, n.d.)
The Recovery Timeline: Will It Be Full, and How Long Will It Take?
Recovery time depends on several factors:
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The type and location of the injury
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The severity of tissue damage
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The timeliness of seeking treatment
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The overall health and age of the person
Some people recover in a few weeks with minimal care, while others may need months of therapy. The goal of treatment is not just to relieve pain but also to restore mobility, prevent future problems, and improve quality of life.
According to Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, the most accurate recovery predictions come from dual-scope diagnosis, which includes orthopedic exams, neurological assessments, and advanced imaging. By combining chiropractic insight with medical knowledge, providers like Dr. Jimenez can create a personalized recovery roadmap.
(JS Berry Law, n.d.; Lonseth Pain, n.d.; Jimenez, n.d.)
Chiropractic Care: A Non-Invasive, Whole-Body Approach
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal problems. After an accident, they examine the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves for signs of misalignment, inflammation, and nerve compression. Through manual spinal adjustments, chiropractors help realign joints and reduce pressure on nerves. This process can:
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Improve blood flow
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Enhance nerve function
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Reduce inflammation
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Promote natural healing
Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, chiropractic care aims to correct the root cause of pain and dysfunction. Techniques may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic stretching, and lifestyle counseling.
(Tradition Health, 2024; Uptown Denver Chiropractor, n.d.)
The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments in Post-Accident Care
One of the most important tools in chiropractic care is the spinal adjustment. When joints are misaligned due to trauma, they can press on nerves and restrict movement. A chiropractor uses controlled force to reposition the joint, relieving pressure and restoring balance to the body.
Adjustments are especially helpful for treating:
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Neck and back pain
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Headaches
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Whiplash symptoms
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Limited range of motion
Dr. Jimenez explains that spinal realignment can reduce pain without the side effects of medication. It also improves coordination between the brain and the body by restoring healthy nerve communication.
(Hogan Chiropractic, 2024; Clearway Pain, n.d.)
Soft Tissue Therapy and Inflammation Reduction
Injuries often trigger inflammation, which causes swelling, heat, pain, and stiffness. While inflammation is a natural part of healing, chronic inflammation can damage tissues and prolong recovery. Chiropractors use techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to reduce inflammation and break up scar tissue.
These therapies improve:
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Muscle flexibility
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Circulation
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Joint range of motion
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Overall healing time
Reducing inflammation also helps patients return to daily activities faster and with less discomfort.
(Brookdale Health, n.d.; Artisan Chiropractic Clinic, n.d.)
Restoring Mobility and Preventing Long-Term Complications
In the aftermath of an MVA, patients often experience stiffness, reduced mobility, and muscle guarding (a protective tightening of muscles). If untreated, these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy, joint degeneration, or even permanent disability.
Chiropractic care includes guided rehabilitation exercises and postural correction strategies to restore normal movement. These therapies reduce the chance of long-term complications like:
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Chronic pain
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Spinal disc degeneration
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Poor posture
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Functional limitations
Dr. Jimenez emphasizes combining chiropractic adjustments with rehabilitative exercises tailored to each patient’s injury and lifestyle to ensure sustainable improvement.
(The Neck and Back Clinics, n.d.; Wirth Chiropractic, n.d.)
Dual-Scope Diagnosis: Medical and Chiropractic Integration
What sets providers like Dr. Jimenez apart is their ability to perform a dual-scope assessment. As both a nurse practitioner and chiropractor, he understands how to:
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Order diagnostic imaging like MRIs and CT scans
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Interpret neurological and orthopedic findings
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Document injuries for legal and insurance purposes
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Coordinate referrals to physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, or pain management specialists when needed
This comprehensive approach streamlines care and ensures that patients receive both therapeutic treatment and appropriate medical documentation.
Through his clinics in El Paso, Dr. Jimenez uses this model to help injured individuals heal physically while also supporting their legal cases with detailed reports, diagnostic codes, and insurance-compliant records.
(Jimenez, n.d.; Personal Injury Doctor Group, n.d.)
Chiropractic Care and the Legal-Medical Connection
After an MVA, patients often need legal assistance to receive compensation for their injuries. Chiropractors like Dr. Jimenez play a crucial role in this process by:
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Documenting the timeline and severity of injuries
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Recording treatment progress and outcomes
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Providing expert testimony when needed
These detailed medical records support personal injury claims, demonstrating the connection between the accident and the resulting injuries. When chiropractic care is initiated early, the documentation is more accurate and timely, leading to better outcomes both medically and legally.
(Advantage Healthcare Systems, n.d.; Aguiar Injury Lawyers, n.d.)
Whole-Person Healing Through Integrative Medicine
Many chiropractic clinics now offer integrative care, combining:
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Chiropractic adjustments
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Acupuncture
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Functional medicine
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Nutritional counseling
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Lifestyle changes
This approach recognizes that healing goes beyond pain relief. It addresses inflammation, stress, sleep quality, and gut health, all of which can be impacted by trauma. Integrative treatments are especially helpful in restoring emotional well-being, which often suffers after an accident.
Dr. Jimenez integrates functional assessments and supportive therapies to help patients not only recover from physical trauma but also regain their overall wellness.
(Recovery Chiro Med, n.d.; Jimenez, n.d.)
Conclusion: Chiropractic Care as a Trusted Partner in Recovery
Musculoskeletal injuries from motor vehicle accidents can range from mild strains to serious disc and nerve damage. They affect not only the body but also daily activities, work, mental health, and financial well-being. Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free path to recovery by addressing the root causes of pain, improving joint and nerve function, and supporting long-term healing.
With advanced diagnostics and dual-scope assessment, providers like Dr. Alexander Jimenez help patients get back on their feet while also guiding them through the complex legal and insurance landscape. By choosing chiropractic care, accident survivors can trust they are receiving thorough, personalized treatment that promotes total-body wellness and protects their future.
References
Advantage Healthcare Systems. (n.d.). The questions you should always ask a doctor after a car crash. https://www.advantagehcs.com/the-questions-you-should-always-ask-a-doctor-after-a-car-crash/
Aguiar Injury Lawyers. (n.d.). Most common car accident injuries in Louisville. https://aguiarinjurylawyers.com/most-common-car-accident-injuries-in-louisville/
Artisan Chiropractic Clinic. (n.d.). The comprehensive guide to chiropractic care for car accident survivors. https://www.artisanchiroclinic.com/the-comprehensive-guide-to-chiropractic-care-for-car-accident-survivors/
Brookdale Health. (n.d.). Why chiropractic care is essential after a car accident. https://www.brookdalehealth.com/blog/why-chiropractic-care-is-essential-after-a-car-accident.html
Clearway Pain. (n.d.). Should I get a chiropractic adjustment after my car accident? https://clearwaypain.com/should-i-get-a-chiropractic-adjustment-after-my-car-accident/
Florida Physical Medicine. (n.d.). Musculoskeletal injuries. https://floridaphysicalmedicine.com/musculoskeletal-injuries/
Hogan Chiropractic. (2024, October 31). See a chiropractor after auto accident. https://hoganchiropractic.com/2024/10/31/see-chiropractor-after-auto-accident/
Jimenez, A. [Dr. Alexander Jimenez]. (n.d.). Injury diagnosis and treatment after auto accidents. https://www.dralexjimenez.com/
Jimenez, A. [Dr. Alexander Jimenez]. (n.d.). Legal-medical integration in personal injury. https://www.personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/
Jimenez, A. [Dr. Alexander Jimenez]. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
JS Berry Law. (n.d.). Long-term effects of whiplash. https://jsberrylaw.com/long-term-effects-of-whiplash/
Lonseth Pain & Spine. (n.d.). Minimally invasive treatments after car accidents. https://www.lonsethpain.com/news/minimally-invasive-treatments-car-accidents/
Personal Injury Doctor Group. (n.d.). Chiropractic-medical support for auto accident injuries. https://www.personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/
Recovery Chiro Med. (n.d.). Healing from car accidents: The impact of chiropractic care on auto injuries. https://recoverychiromed.com/healing-from-car-accidents-the-impact-of-chiropractic-care-on-auto-injuries/
The Neck and Back Clinics. (n.d.). Long-term recovery. https://theneckandbackclinics.com/long-term-recovery/
Tortslaw. (n.d.). Long-term effects of whiplash. https://www.tortslaw.com/car-accident-lawyers/injuries/whiplash/long-term-effects/
Tradition Health. (2024, November 26). Chiropractic care for auto accident injuries. https://traditionhealth.com/2024/11/26/chiropractic-care-for-autoaccident-injuries/
Uptown Denver Chiropractor. (n.d.). How chiropractic care helps auto accident injury victims. https://uptowndenverchiropractor.com/blog/how-chiropractic-care-helps-auto-accident-injury-victims
Wirth Chiropractic. (n.d.). What is the value of using a chiropractor after an accident? https://www.wirthchiropractic.com/accident-injury/what-is-the-value-of-using-a-chiropractor-after-an-accident/
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and physical medicine, as well as wellness, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. We utilize functional health and wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol. To discuss the subject matter above further, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or us at 915-50-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
