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Car accidents place significant force on the spine—even in collisions that appear minor. Many patients tell me,

“I felt fine right after the accident… but now everything hurts.”

This is extremely common.

In my chiropractic and functional medicine clinic in Woodbury, MN, I frequently see patients who develop symptoms days or even weeks after a motor vehicle accident. One of the most common injuries I diagnose in these situations is a herniated disc.

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What Is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushions called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers. During a car accident, the rapid forward-and-backward motion (commonly called whiplash) can place extreme stress on these discs.

That force can cause the disc to:

• Bulge outward
• Tear
• Or herniate (when disc material presses on nearby nerves)

Herniated discs can occur in:

• The neck (cervical spine)
• The mid-back (thoracic spine)
• The low back (lumbar spine)

Cleveland Clinic overview of herniated discs:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/herniated-disc/

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Symptoms of a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident

Disc injuries don’t always cause immediate pain. In fact, many worsen gradually over time as inflammation builds and nerves become irritated.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
• Neck pain or low back pain
• Pain that radiates into the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Weakness in the hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Burning or sharp nerve-type pain
• Difficulty turning the head or bending

Mayo Clinic confirms that disc-related nerve compression can cause radiating pain and neurological symptoms:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095

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How Herniated Discs Are Diagnosed

A definitive diagnosis of disc herniation is made with MRI imaging, which shows soft tissues clearly. However, an experienced chiropractor can often strongly suspect a disc injury based on:

• Detailed health history
• Orthopedic testing
• Neurological examination
• Range-of-motion evaluation
• Muscle strength testing

If clinical findings suggest a significant disc injury, I may recommend advanced imaging or collaborate with other providers.

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Conservative Treatment Should Always Come First

The good news:
Many herniated discs improve significantly with conservative care.

Surgery is rarely the first step—and in most cases, it is not necessary when proper conservative treatment is applied early.

At Functional Health Unlimited, treatment plans are customized based on your condition and may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments tailored to disc injuries
• Acupuncture for pain and inflammation
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Electrical muscle stimulation
• Corrective stretching and home exercise programs
• Graston technique (instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy)
• Targeted anti-inflammatory nutritional support

According to Harvard Health, most people with herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/herniated-disc

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When More Advanced Care May Be Needed

In more severe cases, additional interventions such as:

• Cortisone injections
• Pain management referral
• Orthopedic or neurological consultation

…may be appropriate. However, conservative care should almost always be attempted first.

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Why Early Evaluation Matters After a Car Accident

Delaying care after an accident can allow injuries to become chronic, which often leads to:

• Longer recovery times
• More intense pain
• Increased degeneration
• Reduced function
• Ongoing nerve irritation

If you’ve been in a car accident—even if your symptoms seem mild—getting evaluated early can make a significant difference in your long-term outcome.

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Auto Accident Chiropractor in Woodbury, MN

At Functional Health Unlimited, I help patients throughout Woodbury, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Minnesota communities recover from:

• Car accident injuries
• Herniated discs
• Whiplash
• Neck and back pain
• Sciatica
• Arm and leg nerve pain

👉 Learn more about our chiropractic and injury care:
https://www.functionalhealthunlimited.com

👉 Schedule your appointment here:

Request Appointment

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t ignore your symptoms. Early, appropriate care can prevent long-term problems and help you heal more completely.

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Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC, CACCP, CFMP, BA
Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Care
Functional Health Unlimited – Woodbury, Minnesota