Were you in an accident?
Auto accident and whiplash chiropractor in San Jose, CA
A crash whips the neck and back with enormous force, even when the car is barely dented. We evaluate you soon, document your injuries, and build a recovery plan, all explained clearly in Spanish or English.
- Whiplash
- Neck & back pain
- Headaches
- Bilingual care
It was a light hit
“We barely tapped… I don't think I'm hurt”
It's the thing we hear most, and the pain often shows up later. In low-speed crashes, the neck and back absorb the jolt, and swelling and stiffness can take one to three days to set in, sometimes longer. By then the injury has gone days without care.
That's why it's worth getting checked even if you feel fine. If we find nothing, you leave reassured. If there's something, we catch it early.
Signs that show up days later
- Neck stiffness or pain when you wake up
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain between the shoulder blades or in the low back
- Tingling or weakness in an arm or hand
- Dizziness or trouble turning your head
What we see
Common injuries after a collision
The force of a crash can injure the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the spine even when there's little damage to the car.
Whiplash
Neck injury from the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head.
Neck & shoulder pain
Stiffness, tension, and reduced range of motion.
Back pain
Aches in the mid-back and lower back.
Headaches
Pain that starts in the neck or base of the skull.
Dizziness & stiffness
A “locked” feeling or trouble turning your head.
Delayed pain
Symptoms you don't feel until 24–72 hours later.
After the accident
What to do if you were in a crash
- Get checked soon. Even if you feel fine. An early evaluation documents your injuries and helps you start recovering sooner.
- Keep your paperwork. Police report, insurance information, photos, and any medical imaging you already have.
- Start care early. Waiting can make stiffness and pain harder to treat.
- Follow your plan. Consistent visits and home exercises make a real difference.
Whiplash
Whiplash and Auto Accident Injuries in San Jose
Whiplash is a neck injury that can happen when the head is thrown forward and back during a collision, even at lower speeds. Common reasons people look for care include neck stiffness or discomfort, headaches, and trouble turning the head. Some symptoms don't show up until a day or more after the crash.
At Gallardo Chiropractic in San Jose, an evaluation after an accident starts with listening to what happened and examining your neck, back, and movement. When it will help guide your care, digital X-rays are available in the office. Based on what the doctor finds, he explains the options for your situation. Results vary from person to person and nothing is guaranteed.
Read more about neck pain and back pain, how digital X-rays are used, auto-accident insurance & billing, or request an appointment and call (408) 258-3200.
How it helps
Chiropractic care after a collision
Your plan is built around your injuries and may include chiropractic adjustments, muscle treatment, digital X-rays when indicated, and in-office technology such as shockwave, emFieldPro, or laser therapy when the doctor judges it appropriate. We also give you home exercises and guidance.
Auto-accident insurance & billing
We handle auto-accident claims directly through Med-Pay coverage whenever available for seamless direct billing. If Med-Pay is unavailable or reaches its limit, we work with personal injury cases using signed medical liens in coordination with your attorney to ensure you get the care you need without upfront financial confusion.
Do you need an attorney?
If you'd like, we're happy to point you toward local resources for finding an attorney. It's entirely your choice and is never a condition of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
I feel fine after the accident. Should I still come in?
Yes. Whiplash and other injuries often don't hurt until a day or two later. An early evaluation is the safest way to know where you stand.
Do you see people weeks or months after an accident?
Yes, it's still worth getting checked. Bring any paperwork or imaging you have from the accident.
Can the office coordinate with my attorney or insurance?
Yes. We bill directly to Med-Pay coverage when it's available, and coordinate with your attorney through a signed medical lien if your case needs one. See “Auto-accident insurance & billing” above for details.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the injury. After examining you, the doctor will give you a sense of what to expect. We don't promise outcomes.
Does a chiropractor in San Jose see whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most common reasons people come in after a collision. Care starts with an evaluation of your neck, back, and movement, and the doctor explains the options for your situation. Results vary and nothing is guaranteed. See our section on whiplash above.
Which symptoms after a car accident should I get checked?
Neck or back pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or tingling in an arm or hand, including symptoms that show up a day or more later. If you have severe pain, weakness, numbness that is getting worse, or loss of bladder or bowel control after a crash, seek urgent medical care.
Were you in a car accident in San Jose?
Don't wait for the pain to get worse. Call us and we'll get you evaluated soon.