You’ve just been in a fender bender. The cars look fine, everyone seems okay, and you drive away thinking you are in the clear. Then a few days later, your neck feels tight, your shoulders ache, and headaches start appearing.
The Hidden Impact of Minor Collisions
When a vehicle stops suddenly, the body may continue moving briefly. This rapid change can place strain on muscles, joints, and soft tissues, especially around the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
One commonly reported concern after a collision is whiplash-associated discomfort, which may occur when the head moves quickly forward and backward. Some people also notice mid-back or low-back soreness, particularly if they braced for impact or were seated in an awkward position. It is also common for discomfort to feel widespread because the body often tightens during stressful moments.
Why Symptoms Can Appear Days Later
It’s not unusual to feel fine immediately after an accident and notice symptoms later. In the moment, stress hormones can temporarily reduce awareness of pain. If tissues have been strained, inflammation may build gradually over the next day or two, contributing to stiffness and reduced movement. Muscles can also tighten to protect sensitive areas, which may lead to soreness in surrounding regions.
Everyone responds differently. Some people notice symptoms within hours, while others experience changes several days later.
When It May Be Worth Getting Checked
If you’ve been in a collision and notice ongoing discomfort, reduced mobility, or symptoms that are affecting your usual routine, many people choose to book an assessment sooner rather than later. An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing to your discomfort and outline appropriate care options. It can also provide a useful baseline if symptoms change in the weeks following your accident.
If you experience severe symptoms such as significant dizziness, numbness, weakness, or anything that feels urgent, seek immediate medical attention.
ICBC Enhanced Care Coverage at Impulse Health and Wellness
Our practice is registered with ICBC’s Enhanced Care program. If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be eligible for recovery benefits through ICBC regardless of who was at fault.
Depending on eligibility, Enhanced Care may include pre-approved sessions such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and active rehabilitation. In many cases, no medical referral is required. Coverage is typically available for a set period after the accident, often up to 12 weeks for pre-approved care. If additional sessions are needed, documentation may be submitted to ICBC for review.
Our team can help guide you through the process and coordinate billing directly with ICBC where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after an accident should I book an assessment?
What if I feel okay right after the accident?
What if I was a passenger or pedestrian?
Understanding Your Options After a Car Accident
If you’ve recently been in a car accident and are not feeling quite like yourself, you may wish to explore care options with one of our Surrey chiropractors, including those available under ICBC Enhanced Care.