PERSONAL INJURY & AUTO ACCIDENT CARE IN GREENVILLE, SC
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026
Auto accident chiropractic care is the evaluation and treatment of injuries from a car crash, such as whiplash, neck and back sprains, and headaches, using hands-on care, soft-tissue therapy and rehab. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we examine what's injured, document it carefully and build a plan to get you moving again, with same-week appointments available.
Go to the ER or call 911 first if you have:
- loss of consciousness, confusion or a severe or worsening headache,
- numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs,
- loss of bladder or bowel control,
- severe neck or back pain, or chest or abdominal pain.
Once serious injuries have been ruled out, we can take it from there.
Why pain often shows up a day or two after a crash
Right after a collision, adrenaline can mask pain. As it wears off over the next 24 to 72 hours, injured muscles, ligaments and joints start to make themselves known: a stiff neck, headaches, back pain or less range of motion. Being cleared at the ER usually means nothing is broken or life-threatening; it doesn't mean the soft tissue wasn't injured. That's why it's worth getting evaluated even if you felt "fine" at the scene.
Car accident injuries we treat
- Whiplash and neck sprains
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Mid and low back pain
- Headaches after a collision
- Shoulder and rib pain from seat belts and airbags
- Disc injuries and nerve symptoms such as tingling or sciatica
- Sprains, strains and reduced range of motion
Not sure whether your symptoms are related to the accident? Come in and we'll evaluate you and tell you honestly.
How we help after a car accident
- A thorough evaluation. We take a detailed history of the crash and your symptoms, examine you, take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated, and coordinate with other providers when needed.
- Hands-on treatment. Depending on your injuries, care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique, laser therapy and a rehab program to restore strength and movement.
- Progress checks. We re-examine you along the way and adjust your plan as you improve.
- Clear documentation. We keep detailed records of your injuries, treatment and progress, which matter for your insurance claim and, if you have one, your attorney.
Working with your attorney
If you have a personal injury attorney, we coordinate with their office and provide the records and reports they request. If you'd like to talk with an attorney and don't have one, just ask and we can share names of local firms.
What to do after a car accident in Greenville
- Make sure everyone is safe, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Report the crash to the police and get a copy of the report number.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and any visible injuries, and exchange insurance information.
- Get checked out, at the ER right away if you have any of the warning signs above.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Write down your symptoms as they appear and keep your medical records and receipts.
- Schedule an evaluation within a few days, even if your symptoms seem mild.
Car accident injury FAQs
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?
If you have neck pain, back pain, headaches or stiffness after a crash, it's worth getting evaluated, even after a minor collision. An exam can identify soft-tissue injuries and documents them while they're new. If you have warning signs such as numbness, weakness or a severe headache, go to the ER first.
How soon after a car accident should I get evaluated?
Ideally within the first few days, even if your symptoms seem mild. Early evaluation helps guide your care and documents your injuries close to the time of the crash.
Why does my neck hurt more the day after a car accident?
Adrenaline can mask pain right after a collision. As it wears off over 24 to 72 hours, inflammation and injured soft tissue become more noticeable, which is why stiffness and headaches often appear on day two or three.
Do you work with personal injury attorneys?
Yes. We coordinate with your attorney's office and provide the records and reports they request. If you don't have an attorney and would like one, we can share names of local firms.
General information only, not legal advice. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.
I’ve dealt with a back issue ever since my car accident, a 25 year old with back issues? Nah, Dr. Nelson and his wife Kelsey wasn’t having that. He invited me in, treated me and I improved. It’s that simple, if you need help with anything whether it be rehab, maintenance or just need a hug, go see Whitney at the front desk and she will make sure that Traci doesn’t work you too hard! In all sincerity, these guys are an amazing group of people and in more ways then one, they saved my life.
