Conditions > Auto Injuries

A car accident can injure your spine even when the damage to your vehicle looks minor. The force of a collision, even at low speed, is enough to strain ligaments, irritate spinal discs, and push joints out of their normal position. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, millions of Americans are injured in motor vehicle crashes every year, many without realizing it at the scene.
Adrenaline masks pain in the hours following a crash, and symptoms like neck pain, headaches, and lower back pain often surface days later. By that point, inflammation has already set in and the body has started compensating in ways that make recovery harder.
When a spinal joint is misaligned or a disc is under stress after a crash, the surrounding muscles and nerves begin to compensate right away. If that goes unaddressed, scar tissue forms, mobility decreases, and pain patterns become much more difficult to correct over time.
Getting evaluated early gives Dr. Richard the best opportunity to identify what was injured and correct it before those secondary problems take hold. Most patients who start care within the first few days after an accident recover faster and with fewer complications than those who wait.
At Back to Health Chiropractic, Dr. Richard Parissenti provides corrective care for the full range of auto accident injuries, including:
● Whiplash and neck strain
● Neck pain and stiffness
● Sciatica
The focus is not just on relieving symptoms. It is on identifying and correcting the structural damage caused by the impact so the body can heal properly. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recognizes spinal manipulation as a clinically supported approach for musculoskeletal pain, including injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
Some symptoms are easy to dismiss in the days after a crash, especially when the accident seemed minor. These are the warning signs that warrant a chiropractic evaluation:
● Neck stiffness or limited range of motion
● Headaches that start at the base of the skull
● Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
● Lower back pain or tightness that worsens with sitting
● Shoulder pain or difficulty lifting your arm
● Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
These symptoms often point to spinal misalignment, disc stress, or nerve irritation that will not resolve on their own. The sooner they are evaluated, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Dr. Richard begins with a thorough consultation covering the details of the accident, your current symptoms, and any prior care you have received. A focused examination then identifies areas of restricted movement, nerve irritation, or disc involvement.
Once the injury pattern is clear, you receive a personalized care plan with honest expectations for your recovery. Documentation is detailed and thorough, which matters for any insurance or legal process tied to your accident. Michigan No-Fault auto insurance typically covers chiropractic care after a crash, and our team can help you navigate that process.
If you have been in a car accident in Sault Ste. Marie or the surrounding area, do not wait to be evaluated. Request your appointment online or call us at (906) 442-4325.

Pain rarely fixes itself. If you are tired of managing flare ups or adjusting your routine around discomfort, it may be time for a clearer plan. We are here to evaluate what is really happening and guide you toward steady, lasting improvement.

Mon - Thu 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Lunch Break 12:30 AM–1:30 PM
Fri 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday Closed
2243 Ashmun St,
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
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