Car Accident & Personal Injury Care · Spearfish

After an accident, start with the right level of care.

Mountain Movement evaluates musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, headaches, and movement changes after car accidents and other injuries—and refers immediately when symptoms need emergency, medical, or specialty evaluation.

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Rear-end vehicle collision showing visible car damage

Symptoms may be delayedNeck pain, stiffness, headache, or soreness can appear after the initial stress response settles.

Safety comes firstEmergency and neurological warning signs are screened before conservative treatment.

Clear recordsHistory, examination findings, care, and progress are documented throughout treatment.

Do not guess after a collision

A car accident can create more than one kind of problem.

Whiplash is a soft-tissue neck injury associated with rapid acceleration and deceleration. Accidents can also involve the back, shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, and other areas.

The absence of immediate pain does not guarantee that nothing was injured. At the same time, chiropractic care is not the right first stop for every crash. Severe trauma and red flags need urgent medical evaluation.

Common post-accident concerns

Evaluate the pattern, not just the loudest symptom.

The mechanism of the crash, current symptoms, neurological findings, and ability to move all influence the appropriate next step.

Whiplash-related symptoms

Neck pain or stiffness, headaches, shoulder or upper-back discomfort, and reduced range of motion after a collision.

Back and joint pain

New pain or movement limitations involving the low back, mid-back, ribs, hips, knees, wrists, or other areas.

Persistent movement changes

Difficulty turning the head, sleeping, working, driving, lifting, or returning to normal activity after the initial injury.

Woman experiencing neck discomfort after an injury

Conservative injury care

Examine, document, treat appropriately, and refer when needed.

The plan depends on injury severity and may change as acute irritation settles and movement returns.

Detailed accident historyReview impact direction, symptoms, prior injuries, medical care, and changes since the collision.

Neurological and movement screeningCheck strength, sensation, reflexes when indicated, motion, and functional limits.

Adapted hands-on careUse conservative treatment appropriate for the stage and irritability of the injury.

Home and activity guidanceSupport sleep, driving, work, and gradual return to movement between visits.

Progress documentationTrack reported symptoms, objective findings, function, and response over time.

Coordinated referralsConnect with emergency, primary care, imaging, orthopedic, neurological, or rehabilitation services when needed.

See the Mountain Movement Approach

Some accident symptoms should bypass the chiropractic office.

Call 911 or seek urgent medical evaluation after significant trauma when there is loss of consciousness, confusion, repeated vomiting, severe or worsening headache, chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, weakness, loss of sensation, inability to move an arm or leg, or concern for a spinal injury.

When in doubt, choose safety Emergency evaluation can rule out serious injury first. Conservative musculoskeletal care can be considered after the urgent issues are addressed.

What happens next

A clear sequence after the urgent concerns are ruled out.

Bring any emergency, urgent care, imaging, or insurance documents available.

Review the accident and prior care

Document how the injury occurred, what symptoms developed, and what has already been evaluated.

Screen for red flags

Check for findings that require emergency, medical, imaging, or specialty referral.

Establish a baseline

Record pain, movement, neurological findings when appropriate, and activity limitations.

Begin and adjust conservative care

Treatment starts gently and progresses according to symptoms, function, and healing.

Common questions

Questions after an accident.

Call or text Mountain Movement at (605) 418-5994 when you are unsure which appointment to choose.

Should I see a chiropractor immediately after a crash?

Serious or high-impact injuries should be evaluated through emergency or medical care first. For non-emergency musculoskeletal symptoms, a timely examination can help document the problem and identify the appropriate level of care.

Can symptoms appear later?

Yes. Whiplash-related pain and stiffness may not be noticeable immediately and can develop after the accident. New, severe, or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated.

Will you order imaging?

Imaging is not automatically required for every injury. Dr. Hansen may refer for imaging or medical evaluation when the history and examination suggest fracture, instability, neurological injury, or another condition that needs it.

Do you work with attorneys or insurance companies?

The office can provide clinical records and billing documentation as permitted. Coverage and claims procedures vary, so contact your auto insurer and legal counsel for advice about your specific claim.

Will auto insurance pay for care?

Coverage depends on the policy, fault rules, claim status, medical necessity, and other factors. Verify benefits directly with the insurer rather than assuming payment is guaranteed.

Can I book online?

Yes. For a first injury visit, select the appropriate new-patient appointment on the Jane booking page, or call the office when the situation is complex.

Right here in Spearfish

Get the injury evaluated without overpromising the outcome.

Schedule conservative car accident or personal injury care with Mountain Movement Chiropractic in Spearfish.

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