Should I see a chiropractor for neck and arm pain after a car crash?

Yes. A chiropractor can evaluate the joints, discs, and nerves in your cervical spine to determine what is causing your neck and arm pain after a car accident. Gentle chiropractic adjustments and non-invasive spinal decompression can restore motion, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on irritated nerves so your symptoms improve safely and naturally.

When is radiating neck and arm pain serious after a car accident?

Radiating neck and arm pain is more serious if you notice progressive weakness, significant or worsening numbness, loss of grip strength, or changes in coordination. These symptoms may indicate more severe nerve root compression or spinal cord involvement and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional for appropriate imaging and treatment.

How long does it take to feel better after chiropractic care for post-accident neck pain?

Many patients begin noticing improvement within the first few chiropractic visits, especially when care includes adjustments, spinal decompression, hydromassage, and targeted exercises. Disc-related injuries or more severe nerve irritation may require a longer treatment plan, but early intervention helps shorten recovery time and reduces the chance of chronic symptoms.

Does insurance cover chiropractic treatment for car accident injuries?

Many auto accident cases are covered by auto insurance, med-pay, or health insurance, depending on your policy. Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help you review your benefits and coordinate documentation so your neck and arm pain after a car crash can be treated with as little financial stress as possible.

Neck Pain After a Car Crash | Chiropractor in Olathe

Q: Why does my neck pain travel into my arm after a car accident?

Neck pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand after a car accident is often caused by irritation or compression of a cervical nerve root. Rapid whip-like motion during a crash can irritate the facet joints and cause a disc to bulge, which may press on the C5, C6, or C7 nerve roots and create radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the arm.

Diagram of cervical nerve irritation after a car accident with pain traveling from the neck into the shoulder and arm.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and now feel neck pain that travels into your shoulder, arm, or hand, you’re not alone. Many patients in our Olathe community experience this after a rear-end or side-impact collision, and it’s one of the most common reasons people search for a chiropractor in Olathe following an auto injury. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we help patients understand why this pain happens—and more importantly, how to fix it.

Radiating neck pain after a car crash often occurs when the cervical joints, discs, or nerves are irritated. When the head and neck whip forward and back, it can strain the joints, inflame the discs, or compress a nerve root, creating pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Why this problem happens: A car accident forces the neck into rapid acceleration and deceleration, stressing the facet joints, stretching the ligaments, and irritating the cervical discs. When a disc swells or bulges, it can compress the C5, C6, or C7 nerve roots—leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the arm.

After an accident, several structures may contribute to your symptoms. The joints of the cervical spine may lose their normal motion, causing sharp, localized pain. The discs may swell or bulge, irritating the nerve roots. The muscles of the neck and upper back often tighten to protect the injured area, which creates stiffness and limited range of motion. Postural changes—like guarding or elevating the shoulders—place additional strain on the cervical spine. Combined, these factors commonly lead to nerve irritation and radiating pain.

Common symptoms patients notice include:
• Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers
• Burning or electric pain down the arm
• Sharp pain when turning the head
• Pain that worsens with sitting or driving
• Headaches beginning at the base of the skull
• Loss of grip strength
• A deep ache in the shoulder blade region
• Increased symptoms after looking down at a phone or computer

Clinical patterns I see in the office: Many patients report increased pain after sitting in a car, looking down at a laptop, or sleeping in a poor position. Others experience headaches that begin in the neck and move upward. Some feel temporary relief when walking or moving, while others notice numbness when holding a phone or gripping the steering wheel. These patterns are classic signs of cervical joint irritation or a disc pressing on a nerve root.

How chiropractic helps: Gentle cervical chiropractic adjustments help restore motion to restricted joints, calm inflammation, and reduce mechanical stress on the nerves. Our spinal decompression therapy creates negative pressure inside the discs, helping reduce irritation and improve healing. Hydromassage therapy helps relax tight muscles and improve circulation. Targeted exercise and stretch routines reinforce proper movement, improve posture, and take pressure off irritated nerves. Together, these treatments not only relieve pain but also address the underlying joint and disc dysfunction.

Our treatment approach at Woodroof Chiropractic includes:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments, spinal/vertebral decompression, hydromassage therapy, targeted strengthening, stretching routines, corrective exercise, ergonomic and posture coaching, and guidance on proper sleep positions. Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits.

Frequently asked questions include:
• Why does my neck pain travel into my arm after a car accident? This is often due to cervical nerve irritation or a bulging disc pressing on a nerve root.
• Should I see a chiropractor for this? Yes—early chiropractic care helps reduce inflammation, improve joint motion, and relieve nerve pressure.
• When is it serious? Symptoms like progressive weakness, severe numbness, or significant loss of grip strength should be evaluated promptly.
• How long until I feel better? Many patients see improvement within just a few visits, though disc injuries may take longer depending on severity.
• Does insurance cover treatment? Most auto accident cases do. Learn more here: insurance coverage.

If you’re dealing with neck pain after a car accident, we can help. Call our Olathe chiropractic office today at 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started.