If you’ve lived or driven in Manteca for any length of time, you know accidents happen more often than we’d like. Busy intersections like Yosemite Avenue and Union Road see their share of collisions. So do stretches near Highway 120 and Highway 99.
While some crashes are clearly serious, many people walk away thinking they’re lucky. No pain, no problem, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the full story.
Why Pain Doesn’t Always Show Up Right Away
One of the biggest misconceptions after a car accident is that pain shows up right away. In reality, adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours or even days (this is your body’s natural response to trauma, designed to help you get to safety). Injuries like whiplash, shoulder pain from the seatbelt, soft tissue strains, and joint irritation often don’t become noticeable until the body starts to calm down.
By the time stiffness appears, or headaches set in, or you notice limited shoulder movement or back pain, your body has already been compensating. That’s why getting evaluated sooner rather than later matters.
What a Post-Accident Evaluation Looks Like
At Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness in Manteca, post-accident care begins with a full evaluation, not just a quick adjustment. We assess how the accident may have affected your spine, neck, shoulders, and surrounding soft tissues to catch issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
“As a chiropractor serving the Manteca community, I see a lot of patients who didn’t feel pain immediately after their accident,” says Dr. Matt Alexander. “Whiplash and shoulder injuries are especially common, even in low-speed crashes. Getting checked early allows us to address small problems before they turn into chronic ones.”
Understanding What to Watch For
Education is a big part of the process. Patients learn what to watch for after an accident. Things like neck stiffness. Shoulder soreness. Mid-back tightness. Headaches. Jaw tension. Trouble sleeping. Understanding how the body responds to trauma helps people make informed decisions instead of waiting until pain forces them to act.
We Help With Insurance and Referrals
After an accident, navigating the insurance side can feel overwhelming. We get it. Our team helps with insurance paperwork and works with lien-based cases, so patients can focus on healing rather than logistics. If chiropractic care isn’t the only thing you need, we’ll say so. When appropriate, we’re happy to recommend additional care or referrals to make sure you’re fully supported.
Don’t Wait for Pain to Tell the Story
Even if your accident felt minor, especially if it happened near a known trouble spot like Yosemite and Union or along Highway 120, your body may tell a different story later. Getting checked early can make a real difference in your recovery.