Jonathan A. SirotaDC, CCSP, PC · PERSONAL CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Back pain guide · White Plains, NY

Back pain after a car accident: assessment and care

Back pain following a car accident warrants medical attention, particularly after a significant impact or with neurological symptoms. A clinician can assess whether conservative care is suitable or whether another investigation or referral is needed.

Need emergency care? Call 911 for a suspected serious injury. Do not wait for an office appointment.

Do not diagnose the cause from the location alone.

Lower, middle or upper back discomfort can affect people differently. The point where you feel pain does not, by itself, identify the injured structure. Explain the accident and any previous back problems during your evaluation.

Tell the clinician whether symptoms affect sitting, standing, sleep or walking. Mention symptoms extending into a leg, and bring records of any earlier treatment.

Know when to seek immediate help.

New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the pelvis, leg weakness, trouble walking or severe pain after a substantial injury needs urgent medical evaluation. Call 911 for a medical emergency.

A routine appointment should not delay the assessment of a potentially serious spinal injury.

What an individual examination can clarify.

At the White Plains office, Dr. Sirota begins with your history and relevant examination findings. The conversation covers what you have noticed, what care you have already received, and what you need to return to doing.

You can ask whether chiropractic care is appropriate, whether further investigation is needed, and what findings will guide reassessment. Treatment options depend on the examination; no single treatment is appropriate for every post-collision back complaint.

Bring a timeline and your existing records.

  • Accident date and the first day you noticed symptoms
  • Changes in symptoms since the collision
  • Hospital instructions and available imaging reports
  • Medication list and relevant medical history
  • Insurer and claim information, if available

If your accident care may fall under New York No-Fault, read the No-Fault care guide and contact the office to discuss your claim.

Clear answers

Questions patients ask

Should I get checked if back pain begins after the accident?

Yes. Back pain following an injury is a reason to contact a healthcare professional. The urgency depends on the impact, symptoms and associated warning signs.

Is leg pain or numbness important to mention?

Yes. Tell the clinician about pain traveling down a leg, numbness or weakness. New weakness, pelvic numbness or bladder or bowel changes needs urgent medical evaluation.

Will I need a fixed series of chiropractic visits?

A plan should follow your assessment and be reassessed against your response. This website does not prescribe a fixed number of visits.

Sources & practice information

Updated November 10, 2026. Practice information: Jonathan A. Sirota, DC, CCSP, PC, in practice since 1990. Medical and insurance information is based on the sources below; these organizations do not endorse this practice.

General education cannot diagnose an injury or establish insurance coverage. An individual examination and claim review are required.

Wondering how long recovery takes?

Read the recovery timeline guide.