Back-to-school season means more teen drivers are on the road—rushing to school, practice, or a part-time job. Unfortunately, it also means a spike in car accidents involving young, inexperienced drivers. Whether it’s a minor fender bender in the school parking lot or a collision on Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway, these accidents can have serious effects on the body—especially one that’s still developing.
At NJ Injury Center, we’re seeing more high school and college-aged patients from Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson Counties who are experiencing pain, discomfort, or limited mobility following a crash. The good news? With the right care early on, most of these injuries can be treated quickly and completely—before they become long-term problems.
Why Teen Drivers Are at Higher Risk
Teenagers are more likely to get into accidents because of inexperience, distractions, and slower reaction times. But what many parents don’t realize is that even low-speed collisions can have a significant impact on a teen’s body.
Unlike adults, teens are still growing. Their muscles and joints are more vulnerable to injury from:
- Whiplash and rapid neck movement
- Misalignment in the cervical or thoracic spine
- Muscle sprains and ligament strains
- Headaches and shoulder pain from seatbelt tension or airbag deployment
Because symptoms are often delayed or minimized—especially by teens who “don’t want to make a big deal out of it”—they’re often ignored until the pain becomes more serious.
Common Symptoms After a Crash That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Whether your teen was in a crash last night or last month, here are signs they need to see a chiropractor:
- Persistent neck or back pain
- Headaches, dizziness, or light sensitivity
- Trouble turning their head or sleeping comfortably
- Tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
- Increased irritability or fatigue
If your teen is experiencing any of the above, don’t wait. Chiropractic care is safe, non-invasive, and effective for teens, helping realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and support healthy development.
What to Expect at NJ Injury Center
Led by Dr. Jorge De La Torre, NJ Injury Center offers compassionate, expert care in a comfortable setting. We’ll start with a thorough consultation and exam to pinpoint the root cause of your teen’s symptoms. From there, we create a personalized plan that may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments
- Soft tissue therapies to reduce muscle tension
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Lifestyle guidance to avoid future injury
We also work with your New Jersey PIP insurance provider to ensure the care is covered and help with any legal or claim documentation, if needed.
Support Your Teen’s Health After a Crash
Whether they’re newly licensed or have been driving for a while, teens need proper care after an accident—just like adults. Don’t let an untreated injury turn into chronic pain or mobility issues later in life.
If your teen has been in a car accident, make their recovery a priority.
👉 Schedule an appointment today at NJ Injury Center and let us help your family get back on track—pain free.