Auto Accident & Personal Injury Chiropractic Care in Novato, CA
Injured in a Car Accident? Early Evaluation Can Prevent Long-Term Problems
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At DeSalvo Chiropractic in Novato, CA, Dr. Douglas DeSalvo specializes in the evaluation and treatment of automobile and personal injury cases, helping patients recover safely while properly documenting injuries related to the accident. Our goal is simple: identify the true source of injury early and restore stability before chronic pain develops.
Even a minor automobile accident can place tremendous stress on the spine, ligaments, and nervous system. Many injuries, especially ligament damage and spinal instability, may not be immediately obvious after a crash.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
What injuries are common after a car accident?
Auto accidents frequently cause injuries that are difficult to detect without specialized training and imaging. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash
A rapid forward-and-back motion of the neck can strain muscles and ligaments. Symptoms may appear hours or even days after the accident.
Common symptoms include:
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches at the base of the skull
Shoulder or upper back pain
Dizziness or vertigo
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Ligament Injuries
Also Known As Ligament Laxity
One of the most commonly missed injuries after an accident is ligament damage. Ligaments stabilize the spine, and when they are stretched or torn, the spine can become unstable.
This condition is called ligament laxity, and it may lead to:
Chronic neck or back pain
Spinal instability
Degenerative joint changes
Reduced mobility
Many providers do not test specifically for ligament injuries, which is why these problems can go undiagnosed.
Detect and analyze the non-disc spinal ligament injuries
How do you ensure Auto injuries are accurately diagnosed?
At DeSalvo Chiropractic, we use advanced diagnostic methods to properly evaluate trauma-related injuries.
The CRMA™ Report
Just as the MRI picks up disc injuries, the CRMA™ (Computerized Radiographic Mensuration Analysis) report exists to detect and analyze the non-disc spinal ligament injuries.
The Leading Cause of Chronic Pain is Spinal Injury
In fact, “spinal conditions” are some of today’s most ongoing and medically-expensive injuries. That’s because specific injuries have been difficult to detect. Until now.
This spinal injury diagnostic test pinpoints spinal ligament injuries by measuring excessive joint motion at its specific location. It also reveals that injury’s severity in cervical and lumbar regions. These spinal conditions are NOT FOUND WITH ANY OTHER testing procedure.
The CRMA™ Report allows us to:
- Detect spinal instability
- Measure ligament damage
- Identify abnormal spinal motion
- Document injuries related to automobile accidents
This level of analysis helps ensure injuries are accurately diagnosed and properly documented, which is critical for both recovery and legal cases.
Once injuries are properly identified, treatment focuses on restoring stability and function to the spine.
Treatment may include:
Specific chiropractic adjustments
Spinal stabilization protocols
Soft tissue rehabilitation
Non-surgical spinal decompression when appropriate
Nervous system focused chiropractic care
The goal is not simply pain relief, but true structural recovery so the injury does not become a long-term condition.
Many people do not feel significant pain immediately after a crash. However, the body releases adrenaline during traumatic events, which can mask symptoms.
Without proper evaluation, injuries may progress into:
Chronic neck pain
Degenerative disc disease
Persistent headaches
Long-term spinal instability
Seeking evaluation soon after an accident helps ensure small injuries do not become lifelong problems.
Dr. Douglas DeSalvo, DC, BCN has extensive training in automobile crash injuries and biomechanics.
He has also been qualified as an expert witness in court, providing professional testimony regarding:
Mechanisms of injury
Spinal trauma from collisions
Long-term effects of crash injuries
Relationship between accident forces and patient injuries
His expertise helps ensure that patients receive both accurate medical care and proper documentation for personal injury cases.
Get Back to Feeling Your Best
Book Your Consultation Online Today
DeSalvo Chiropractic provides comprehensive auto accident injury evaluations in Novato, CA.
Early evaluation can help protect your health, prevent long-term complications, and ensure injuries are properly documented.
Schedule online and get back to feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Auto Accident Chiropractic Care
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident even if I feel fine?
Yes. Symptoms of whiplash and ligament injuries may take days or weeks to appear. Early evaluation helps detect injuries before they worsen.
How soon after an accident should I get checked?
Ideally within 24–72 hours. Early documentation is also important for insurance and legal purposes.
Can chiropractic care help whiplash?
Yes. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal spinal motion, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing injured tissues.
What if my accident was weeks ago?
It is still important to get evaluated. Many patients develop symptoms weeks or months after the original injury.
If you have been involved in a car accident, even a minor one, it is important to have your spine evaluated by a provider experienced in trauma injuries.