You step out, look at the bumper, and think, “That’s it?” Then you might hear something like: “If the car isn’t damaged, the people inside must not be hurt.” It sounds logical. It’s also often wrong, and it keeps people from getting checked when they really should.
Why Low-Speed Impacts Can Still Matter
Crash testing, including tests with live volunteers, has shown that minimal vehicle damage may still result in significant forces on the body. Here’s the twist: when a car doesn’t crumple much, it stays more rigid, meaning more force can transfer into the people inside. When a vehicle bends or crumples, some of that energy is absorbed by the car rather than your neck, spine, and soft tissues. As Dr. Kriva puts it, “Even minimal vehicle damage can result in significant injuries to the occupants.”
What People Often Feel After “Minor” Collisions
Low-speed crashes can trigger neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder tension, mid-back soreness, or that foggy, off feeling you can’t quite name. Sometimes it’s immediate. Sometimes it creeps in the next day. Either way, your body gets the vote, not the bumper. And if you’ve ever slept “fine” but woke up feeling weirdly stiff and out of sync, you know how quickly things can change.
Quick Reality Checks After a Crash
- Did your head snap forward or back?
- Did your seatbelt lock hard against your chest?
- Did symptoms begin within a few days, even subtly?
- Are you moving differently, turning slower, sleeping worse?
- Do headaches show up when you sit, drive, or look down at your phone?
A Simple Next Step That Can Prevent Guesswork
Getting evaluated isn’t “making a big deal,” it’s getting clear information based on your exam. Parkview Chiropractic Clinic assesses movement, joint irritation, and soft tissue strain, then explains care options in plain language, including when a referral is the better choice.
Not Sure If You Should Get Checked?
Contact our Oakdale practice today to book a post-accident evaluation—so you’re not left guessing, especially after a low-speed collision with minor car damage. If a friend or family member has recently been in a low-speed crash, let them know chiropractic care can help and encourage them to schedule an evaluation.
Book A Crash Evaluation