Conditions We Treat
Whiplash and Auto Accident Injury Care in North Phoenix
After a collision, the most serious injuries are often the ones you cannot see yet. At SpinalWorks Chiropractic in Moon Valley, we identify hidden ligament, disc, and nerve injuries early, and restore the stability your spine needs to heal.
Why early evaluation matters
Collisions along Bell Road, 7th Street, SR-51, and I-17 send us patients every month who felt "fine" at the scene. Whiplash describes the mechanism of injury (rapid acceleration and deceleration), not the damage itself. Those forces can injure spinal ligaments, intervertebral discs, facet joints, neck and mid-back musculature, and peripheral nerves, and symptoms may not surface for days.
Left unevaluated, ligament injuries can progress into abnormal joint motion, accelerated degeneration, and chronic pain. Early structural evaluation documents your injuries, identifies exactly which tissues were damaged, and starts correction before instability sets in.
A note that puts many patients at ease: if you are the not-at-fault injured party, you do not need an attorney to begin care at our clinic, and your accident-related care is typically covered through the at-fault driver's insurance claim. When you do have legal representation, we work directly with your attorney to coordinate records and billing.
Know the Signs
Common symptoms after an auto accident
Any of these, immediately or days later, deserves a careful look.
Neck and back
Neck stiffness and pain, upper and mid-back discomfort, low back pain from seatbelt forces, and reduced range of motion.
Nerve-related
Radiating pain into the shoulders or arms, numbness or tingling in the hands, reduced grip strength, muscle weakness or spasms.
Head and balance
Persistent headaches, dizziness or balance problems, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and jaw discomfort from TMJ stress.
Our structural approach to auto injury recovery
Standard imaging often misses the ligament instability whiplash creates. Dr. Steve Van Laecken DC uses specialized evaluation protocols (objective range of motion testing, muscle evaluation, and imaging designed to assess spinal stability) to identify the exact tissues involved rather than settling for a generalized diagnosis.
Car accident care then focuses on restoring cervical alignment and curvature, supporting ligament healing, and rebuilding range of motion through precise adjustments, rehabilitative exercise, and gentle, age-appropriate techniques when needed. The goal is a spine that heals stable, not one that compensates around an uncorrected injury. Results vary, and severe or worsening neurological symptoms are always referred for immediate medical attention.
Keep Exploring
Related care and next steps
Car Accident Care
Complete evaluation, documentation, and treatment after a collision.
Explore this serviceDigital X-Ray
Imaging protocols that help reveal instability static views can miss.
Explore this serviceChiropractic Adjustments
Precise, gentle correction as injured tissues stabilize.
Explore this serviceBack Pain After a Car Accident
Why back pain can appear days after a crash, and what to do.
Read the symptom guideWaking Up With a Stiff Neck
Morning neck stiffness after a collision should not be ignored.
Read the symptom guide$79 New Patient Special
Full consultation, examination, X-rays if necessary, and your first adjustment.
See the specialBook an Appointment
Choose a time that works for you. Mornings and afternoons available.
Book nowChiropractor or Physical Therapy After a Crash?
How each approach helps, why timing matters, and when to combine them.
Read the articleCar Accident Recovery Guide
Documentation, timing, and treatment after a collision.
Browse the topic hubCommon Questions
Auto injury questions, answered
Do I need an attorney before starting care?
No. If you are the not-at-fault injured party, you can begin care at our clinic without an attorney, and your accident-related care is typically covered through the at-fault driver's insurance claim. If you do retain an attorney, we coordinate documentation and billing directly with their office.
I feel fine after my accident. Should I still get checked?
Yes. Whiplash injuries to ligaments, discs, and nerves often produce no symptoms for hours or days. An early structural evaluation identifies hidden damage, documents your condition close to the accident date, and helps prevent problems from becoming chronic.
What are the first signs of whiplash?
Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder discomfort, dizziness, and reduced range of motion are most common. Some people also notice tingling or numbness in the arms or hands. Symptoms can appear immediately or emerge gradually over several days.
How long does whiplash recovery take?
It depends on injury severity, your overall health, how quickly care begins, and how your body responds. Some patients improve within a few weeks; more significant ligament injuries take longer. Dr. Steve DC monitors progress objectively and adjusts your plan as you heal.
Is care safe for seniors after a collision?
Yes, when techniques are tailored to age, bone density, and comfort level. Dr. Steve DC uses gentle, low-force methods when clinically appropriate and evaluates every senior patient carefully to rule out fractures or other conditions before care begins.
Who pays for my treatment?
Coverage depends on the accident circumstances: auto liability, medical payments coverage, or health insurance may apply. When you were not at fault, care is typically arranged through the at-fault driver's insurance claim, and our team helps coordinate the details before treatment begins.
Begin Your Path to Relief
Your first visit starts here
Full consultation, examination, X-rays if necessary, and your first adjustment: $79 for new patients. Serving Moon Valley and North Phoenix with care, integrity, and heart.