Don't Ignore Changes After an Accident

You don't have to be in severe pain to notice that something isn't right.

After a collision, you may experience:

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Back pain

• Whiplash-related symptoms

• Headaches

• Shoulder discomfort

• Muscle soreness or tightness

• Reduced range of motion

• Pain while driving

• Difficulty sitting comfortably

• Changes in normal movement

• New aches or discomfort that weren't present before the accident

Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.

If you develop new or persistent symptoms after a collision, an appropriate healthcare evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your discomfort and whether further care is appropriate.

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What Happens to Your Body During a Car Accident?

A collision can expose your body to sudden forces that are very different from normal everyday movement.

Depending on the circumstances, a collision may affect the:

• Neck

• Back

• Shoulders

• Muscles

• Joints

• Range of motion

• Normal movement patterns

The type of accident doesn't tell the whole story.

Two people involved in the same collision can experience completely different symptoms.

That's why we believe your care should be based on your individual condition, not simply the fact that you were involved in an accident.

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Whiplash & Neck Injuries

Whiplash is commonly associated with sudden acceleration and deceleration involving the head and neck.

Symptoms can include:

• Neck pain

• Neck stiffness

• Headaches

• Shoulder discomfort

• Upper-back discomfort

• Reduced range of motion

• Muscle tenderness

If you're experiencing symptoms after a collision, an appropriate evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to them and what type of care may be appropriate.

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Common Auto Accident Complaints

 

Neck Pain

Turning your head, driving, working, and everyday activities can become uncomfortable.

 

Back Pain

You may notice discomfort when sitting, standing, bending, lifting, or moving.

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Headaches

New headaches following a collision can have a variety of possible causes and should be appropriately evaluated.

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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder and upper-body discomfort can occur following a collision and affect everyday movement.

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Muscle Tightness

Your body may respond to sudden forces with soreness or increased muscle tension.

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Reduced Mobility

Movements that were previously easy may suddenly feel restricted or uncomfortable.

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You Don't Have to Know What's Wrong Before You Call

One of the first questions people often ask after an accident is:

"What did I actually hurt?"

You may not know.

That's part of what an evaluation is for.

At Shakley Chiropractic, we'll listen to your experience, discuss your symptoms, and perform an appropriate examination.

We'll then explain our findings and discuss what options may be appropriate for your situation.

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Our Approach:

1. Listen

We'll learn what happened, when your symptoms began, and how they're affecting your life.

2. Evaluate

We'll perform an appropriate examination based on your symptoms and presentation.

3. Explain

We'll explain what we're finding in straightforward language.

4. Plan

If chiropractic or rehabilitation care is appropriate, we'll discuss an individualized approach.

Our goal isn't to assume that every accident requires the same treatment.

Your care should fit you.

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Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

Depending on your individual circumstances, care may incorporate chiropractic techniques and rehabilitation-focused services.

Shakley Chiropractic's approach can include services such as:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Flexion-distraction techniques

• Exercise therapy

• Functional movement assessment

• Myofascial and trigger-point approaches

• Rehabilitation-focused care

• Other supportive services when appropriate

Not every patient needs every service.

Your care is based on your individual evaluation, condition, goals, and response to care.

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What Can You Expect at Your First Visit?

We know an accident can already create enough uncertainty.

We want your healthcare experience to be straightforward.

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Consultation

We'll discuss the accident, your symptoms, relevant health history, and what you want to get back to doing.

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Examination

We'll perform an appropriate evaluation based on your presentation.

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Explanation

We'll review our findings and answer your questions.

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Recommendations

If chiropractic or rehabilitation care is appropriate, we'll explain the recommended approach and your options.

If your condition requires another type of medical evaluation, we'll let you know.

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Your Goal Isn't Just "Less Pain"

An accident can interfere with the things that make up your normal life.

Maybe you want to:

Get back to work.

Drive comfortably.

Exercise again.

Take care of your family.

Return to sports.

Get back on the water.

Sleep comfortably.

Move normally again.

Those goals matter.

When we discuss your care, we'll consider how your symptoms are affecting your daily activities and what you want to work toward.

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Already Seen a Doctor or Emergency Department?

That's okay.

If you've already received medical care following your accident, bring relevant records, imaging reports, or discharge information when available.

Our role is to evaluate your musculoskeletal condition and determine whether chiropractic or rehabilitation care may be appropriate.

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What If I Don't Feel Injured?

You may feel relatively normal immediately after a collision.

That's not unusual.

Pay attention to changes that develop afterward, including:

• Neck stiffness

• Back discomfort

• Headaches

• Muscle soreness

• Reduced mobility

• New pain

• Changes in normal movement

If symptoms develop or persist, consider discussing them with an appropriate healthcare professional.

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Your Safety Comes First

Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

Seek immediate medical attention for serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms such as:

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe or rapidly worsening headache

• Significant weakness or numbness

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Severe abdominal pain

• Significant bleeding

• Confusion

• New problems with walking or coordination

• Suspected serious injury

When you're unsure whether something is an emergency, seek appropriate emergency medical care.

 

Two Maryland Locations

Whether you're on the Eastern Shore or in the Annapolis area, Shakley Chiropractic offers personalized chiropractic and rehabilitation care.

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Salisbury, Maryland

Serving Salisbury and surrounding Eastern Shore communities.

[Learn About Auto Accident Care in Salisbury →]

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Annapolis, Maryland

Serving Annapolis and surrounding Anne Arundel County communities.

[Learn About Auto Accident Care in Annapolis →]

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Why Shakley Chiropractic?

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Personalized Care

Your accident, symptoms, history, and goals are unique.

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Chiropractic + Rehabilitation

Our approach can combine chiropractic care with rehabilitation-focused services when appropriate.

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Experienced Care

Dr. Ryan Shakley has extensive experience in chiropractic care, rehabilitation, sports-related injuries, and personal injury care.

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Clear Communication

We want you to understand what we're finding and what your options are.

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Two Convenient Maryland Locations

Choose the Shakley Chiropractic office that works best for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I see a chiropractor after a car accident?

Depending on your condition, chiropractic care may be appropriate. An individualized evaluation can help determine whether it is appropriate for you.

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How soon should I be evaluated?

There isn't one timeframe appropriate for everyone. If symptoms develop or persist after a collision, an appropriate healthcare evaluation can help determine your next steps.

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What is whiplash?

Whiplash generally describes an injury involving the neck associated with sudden acceleration-deceleration forces.

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Can you help with back pain after an accident?

We evaluate musculoskeletal complaints, including back pain, and determine whether chiropractic or rehabilitation care may be appropriate.

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What if my symptoms started several days later?

Symptoms can change following a collision. If new or persistent symptoms develop, an appropriate evaluation may help determine what is happening.

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Do I need an attorney before receiving care?

No. Healthcare and legal questions are separate. Questions about liability, fault, insurance claims, or compensation should be directed to an appropriately qualified attorney or insurance professional.

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Do I need to go to the emergency room first?

Not every accident requires emergency care, but serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms do. When emergency care is appropriate, seek it immediately.

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Injured in a Car Accident?

Your first step is understanding what's going on.

If you're experiencing new or persistent symptoms after an auto accident, choose the Shakley Chiropractic location that's most convenient for you.

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Where Would You Like to Be Seen?

 

[SALISBURY, MD]

Eastern Shore Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

 

[ANNAPOLIS, MD]

Annapolis Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

 

SHAKLEY CHIROPRACTIC

Personalized Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

Salisbury, MD | Annapolis, MD

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