Car accident injuries are the muscle, joint, nerve, and soft-tissue injuries caused by a collision. The most common are whiplash, concussion (with or without a head impact), rib and mid-back injury from the seatbelt, and low back strain. Symptoms often show up 24–72 hours later, and early, whole-body care greatly lowers the chance of lasting pain.
Whole-Body Care for the Real Range of Car Accident Injuries
A car accident is rarely a single injury — it’s usually several. Whiplash, a concussion (often without hitting your head), bruised ribs and a sore mid-back from the seatbelt, low back strain, and the body’s own stress response can all happen in the same crash. Treating only the loudest symptom misses the rest, and the rest is often what turns into lasting pain over the following weeks.
At Root Therapy and Wellness in Bozeman, we look at the whole picture from day one — full 1-on-1 sessions, a whole-body assessment, and hands-on care every visit.
What Tends to Get Missed
- Concussion without a head impact — the forces of a whiplash alone can cause it.
- Upper-neck injury — drives headaches, dizziness, and brain fog that get blamed on the concussion alone.
- Jaw (TMJ) injury — common after a crash and easy to overlook.
- Rib and mid-back injury — deep mid-back pain and tight, guarded breathing.
- Low back and pelvis strain — from the seatbelt-held hips versus the twisting upper body.
- The body’s stress response — anxiety, feeling on edge, and poor sleep that medication alone doesn’t reach.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Comprehensive evaluation (60 minutes) — the story of the accident, a whole-body exam, concussion screening, and an honest conversation about the bigger picture.
- Diagnosis and plan — a clear read on every area that’s involved and the order to address them.
- Hands-on treatment that same visit — manual therapy across the injured areas and soft-tissue work.
- Coverage and next steps — we explain your insurance coverage and what to expect.
- Re-assessment every few visits — with progress reports for your medical providers, attorney, or adjuster as needed.
Take the First Step
The window where whole-body care prevents lasting pain is the first few weeks after the accident. Request an appointment today — most patients are seen within the same week.
Our Treatment Approach
- Whole-Body Assessment — We check the neck, mid-back, low back, shoulders, and screen for concussion — because a crash almost always injures more than one area, and missing one slows recovery.
- Neck & Manual Therapy — Skilled hands-on work for whiplash and the headaches that come with it.
- Concussion Care — Balance and vision-based work, plus neck care, for the concussion that often comes with a crash.
- Trauma-Informed Care — Calm, nervous-system-aware care for the anxiety, edginess, or sleep trouble that can follow a crash.
- Getting You Moving Again — A steady return to activity and driving as your symptoms allow.
- Documentation Support — We coordinate billing and provide the reports your attorney or claims adjuster may need.