Car accidents in Hackensack happen every day—on Route 4, I-80, and busy local streets where congestion and sudden stops are common. While some injuries are immediately obvious, many of the most serious auto accident injuries are hidden, developing quietly in the hours or days after a collision. These injuries are often the reason people begin searching for help weeks later, when pain has already become disruptive.
At NJ Pain & Injury Center, we help Hackensack and Bergen County residents identify and treat these injuries early—before they turn into chronic conditions that interfere with daily life.
Why You May Feel “Fine” at First
Immediately after a crash, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol—stress hormones designed to help you survive trauma. While helpful in the moment, these hormones can mask pain and inflammation, making it easy to underestimate your injuries.
It’s common for patients to say:
- “I didn’t feel pain until a few days later”
- “The ER said nothing was broken”
- “I thought it was just soreness”
Unfortunately, many auto accident injuries don’t show up on X-rays and don’t cause severe pain right away.
Common Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident
Even low-speed collisions can cause significant musculoskeletal and neurological damage. Some of the most common hidden injuries we see in Hackensack patients include:
Whiplash Injuries
Sudden forward-and-back motion of the head strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty turning your head.
Spinal Misalignment
The force of a collision can shift vertebrae out of alignment, placing pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues. This can lead to neck pain, back pain, or radiating discomfort into the arms or legs.
Soft Tissue Damage
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can tear or stretch during impact. These injuries often cause inflammation, tightness, and pain that worsens with movement.
Nerve Compression or Irritation
When spinal alignment is disrupted, nerves can become compressed—causing tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or weakness in the extremities.
Left untreated, these injuries can evolve into chronic pain, mobility limitations, and recurring flare-ups.
Why Early Chiropractic Care Matters
At NJ Pain & Injury Center, we focus on identifying the root cause of post-accident pain—not just managing symptoms. Early chiropractic care allows us to:
- Reduce inflammation before scar tissue forms
- Restore proper spinal alignment
- Relieve pressure on nerves
- Improve mobility and circulation
- Prevent long-term complications
Our treatment plans may include gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and posture correction—tailored specifically to your injury and comfort level.
Insurance Coverage for Hackensack Patients
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically covers chiropractic care after a car accident—regardless of who caused it.
Our team:
- Handles PIP paperwork and documentation
- Works with personal injury attorneys when needed
- Ensures your injuries are properly recorded
This removes stress from the recovery process and allows you to focus on healing.
Convenient Care for Hackensack & Bergen County
Our location makes it easy for Hackensack residents and surrounding Bergen County communities to access expert post-accident care without long travel times. Whether your accident happened recently or symptoms are just now appearing, it’s never too late to be evaluated.
Don’t Ignore What Your Body Is Telling You
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing pain, stiffness, headaches, or numbness—even days or weeks later—your body is asking for help. The earlier injuries are addressed, the better your recovery outcome.👉 Contact NJ Pain & Injury Center today to schedule your post-accident chiropractic evaluation and get the answers—and relief—you need.