After a collision, feeling ‘mostly fine’ is not the same as being uninjured. Get evaluated early — it protects both your recovery and your claim.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Yes, it is a good idea to get checked within the first week or two. Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries often show up days later, and an early exam supports both your recovery and your claim. In most accident cases there is nothing to pay up front: we bill MedPay directly, and with an attorney lien we are paid from the settlement. Bring your auto insurance information and claim number, your attorney's name if you have one, and the police report number if you have it. Gentle, low-force options are available, including a drop table and the Activator instrument.
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2026About This Service
Collision symptoms are notorious for showing up late. Adrenaline masks them in the first days, and the neck stiffness, headaches and mid-back pain often arrive a week or two later — by which point people assume it is unrelated.
We evaluate the spine specifically for collision-related injury, document what we find, and build a care plan around it. Early documentation matters clinically, and it matters for insurance.
What We See Most
Rapid neck flexion and extension injury, even in lower-speed collisions.
Stiffness and pain that surfaces days or weeks after the accident.
New headaches originating from upper cervical injury.
Seat belt and bracing-related strain across the thoracic spine.
Radiating pain, numbness or tingling into the arm or hand.
Difficulty turning the head, checking blind spots, or sleeping.
Our Approach
Colorado auto policies frequently include Medical Payments coverage — MedPay — which can apply to treatment after a collision regardless of who was at fault. Many people do not realize they carry it.
We will help you understand what your coverage allows and make sure your care is properly documented from the start. If you have been in an accident, call us at (970) 800-3486 — getting evaluated early is the single best thing you can do for your recovery.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Research
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
Developed for traffic-injury care, this guideline says clinicians may consider education with exercise or multimodal care, including manipulation or mobilization, for grade I-II neck pain and associated disorders.
Côté P, Wong JJ, Sutton D, et al. Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Eur Spine J, 2016 · guideline.
Updating a major neck pain task force review, researchers concluded mobilization, manipulation and clinical massage appear effective for neck pain, while several passive modalities, such as ultrasound and heat, do not.
Wong JJ, Shearer HM, Mior S, et al. Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration. Spine J, 2016 · systematic review.
This review found multimodal care combining manual therapy, education and exercise may benefit people with grade I-II whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain, with no single program shown superior.
Sutton DA, Côté P, Wong JJ, et al. Is multimodal care effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? A systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Spine J, 2016 · systematic review.
From the Blog
Sore after a car accident? A Loveland chiropractor explains normal seat belt and airbag soreness, the signs that need the ER, and when to get checked.
Read the articleHeadaches after a car accident? A Loveland chiropractor explains which ones come from the neck, which need the ER right away, and when to get checked.
Read the articleRear-ended at a stoplight? A Loveland chiropractor explains why a low-speed rear-end crash can still cause whiplash, and what to watch for after.
Read the articleCommon Questions
As soon as possible. Symptoms from a collision often surface days or weeks later, and early evaluation both supports your recovery and creates documentation from the start of your care.
MedPay is Medical Payments coverage included in many Colorado auto insurance policies. It can often apply to treatment following a collision regardless of fault. We can help you understand how your specific coverage works.
Yes, this is very common. Adrenaline can mask symptoms immediately after a collision, with neck pain, stiffness and headaches appearing days or weeks later.
Yes. We accept attorney liens, bill MedPay directly, and send complete records and SOAP notes within two business days of a request. Attorneys can call (970) 800-3486 or see how we work with attorneys.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
$315 value
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.
