Car Accident Chiropractor in Brentwood, CA

Even a low-speed fender bender on Highway 4 or Brentwood Boulevard can injure your neck and back. The sudden jolt of a collision can strain muscles, ligaments and spinal joints — and symptoms often don't appear for hours or even days. At Actus Chiropractic, Dr. Val Tompkins provides thorough evaluations and gentle, personalized care to help you recover after an auto accident.

Why You Should See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident

Adrenaline can mask pain right after a crash. Many people feel fine at the scene, then wake up stiff and sore the next morning. Getting checked soon after an accident helps:

• Identify hidden soft tissue and spinal injuries early
• Reduce the risk of long-term pain and stiffness
• Document your injuries and treatment for your records
• Start healing before scar tissue and compensation patterns set in

Important: If you have severe pain, numbness, loss of consciousness or suspect a fracture, call 911 or go to the emergency room first.

Common Auto Accident Injuries We Treat

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Headaches and migraines after a collision
• Low back and mid-back pain
• Shoulder and upper back pain from seatbelt forces
• Disc injuries, numbness and tingling in arms or legs
• Jaw (TMJ) pain
• Muscle spasms and reduced range of motion

Signs of Whiplash to Watch For

Whiplash symptoms can show up 24–72 hours after an accident. Watch for neck pain or stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, dizziness, shoulder or arm pain, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and blurred vision. If you notice any of these, schedule an exam.

Our Approach to Auto Injury Care

1. Detailed exam and history — We review how the accident happened, your symptoms and your health history, and refer for imaging when needed.
2. Gentle, specific adjustments — After an injury, many patients prefer low-force methods such as the Koren Specific Technique (KST) or craniosacral work. Dr. Val also uses Diversified and Gonstead techniques when appropriate.
3. Cold laser therapy — Low-level laser therapy to help reduce inflammation and support soft tissue healing.
4. Corrective exercises — Customized stretches and strengthening to restore stability and prevent chronic problems.
5. Progress tracking — Regular re-evaluations so you know how your recovery is going.

Simple, Cash-Pay Auto Accident Care

After an accident, the last thing you need is a billing headache. Actus Chiropractic is a cash-pay practice for auto accident care — we do not bill auto insurance, MedPay or attorney liens. That means no waiting on claim approvals and no insurance company deciding how many visits you get. You and Dr. Val decide on the care you need, with clear pricing up front.

Have questions about pricing? Call us at (925) 516-2363 or visit our Payment Options(opens in new tab) page.

Auto Accident Chiropractic FAQs

How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor? Ideally within 72 hours, even if you feel fine. Early evaluation can catch injuries that haven't caused symptoms yet.

Can a chiropractor help with whiplash? Yes. Chiropractic care is a common, drug-free approach for whiplash, focusing on restoring motion, easing muscle tension and supporting healing.

Is chiropractic care safe after an accident? Dr. Val performs a thorough exam first and chooses gentle techniques suited to your injury. If he finds anything that needs medical attention, he will refer you.

What if my pain started days after the accident? Delayed symptoms are very common with whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Come in for an evaluation as soon as you notice them.

How long does recovery take? It depends on the severity of your injuries, your age and your overall health. Dr. Val will give you a clear care plan after your exam.

Do you bill auto insurance for accident-related care? No. Auto accident care at Actus Chiropractic is cash-pay only. We don't bill auto insurance, MedPay or attorney liens, and we'll go over pricing with you before treatment begins.

Get Checked After Your Accident

Don't wait for pain to get worse. Call Actus Chiropractic at (925) 516-2363 or request an appointment online(opens in new tab). Serving accident victims in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay, Byron and Knightsen.