A car crash can change your week, your work, and the way your body feels, sometimes hours or days after the impact. At West Des Moines Chiropractic, Dr. Caleb Sneller helps people recover from auto accident injuries with personalized, hands-on care built around how your body actually moves.
Maybe your neck will not loosen up. Maybe you have back pain after a car accident, or a headache that started a few days later. You do not have to guess what is going on. A thorough exam is the first step toward a clear plan.
Adrenaline can hide pain in the moments after a collision. Many people feel “fine” at the scene, then wake up stiff and sore. Mayo Clinic notes that whiplash symptoms most often begin within days of the injury, which is why a whiplash overview from Mayo Clinic recommends getting checked promptly after a crash.
Early evaluation helps you understand what was injured and start care before pain becomes a long-term pattern. It also creates a clear record of your symptoms from the beginning.
Whiplash happens when the head is thrown forward and back with force. Common signs include neck pain and stiffness, headaches that start at the base of the skull, shoulder tension, and dizziness. Care focuses on restoring motion and calming irritated tissue.
The sudden force of a crash can irritate or injure the discs that cushion your spine. Warning signs include pain that travels into an arm or leg, tingling, or numbness. After an exam, we build a plan around your symptoms and your goals.
Low back and mid back pain are common after seat belt restraint, sudden braking, or a rear-end impact. We look at joint movement, muscle tension, and posture to find what is driving your pain.
Shoulders, hips, and knees can take a beating in a collision. If a joint still aches weeks later, it deserves attention too.
Your first visit starts with a conversation about the accident, your symptoms, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Sneller then evaluates your posture, movement, and areas of pain to create a plan specific to you.
Depending on your exam findings, your plan may include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, soft tissue therapy, or laser light therapy. If your symptoms suggest you need imaging or care beyond chiropractic, we will refer you to the right provider. Our aim is simple: reduce pain, restore movement, and help you return to work, family, and the activities you enjoy.
Many people search for a PIP chiropractor after an accident, so here is how Iowa works. Iowa is an at-fault state, and it does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP). Some drivers choose optional medical payments coverage (often called MedPay) on their own auto policy, which can help with medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.
Iowa law does require minimum liability coverage of $20,000 for injury to one person, $40,000 for injury to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. You can review the basics on the Iowa Insurance Division auto insurance page.
Every policy is different. Check your declarations page or ask your insurance agent which coverages you carry. For questions about fault, claims, or legal rights, an attorney is the right person to ask. Our front desk team can explain our billing process and provide treatment records when you need them.
You will talk through the accident and your symptoms, complete a physical and movement exam, and go over what we found in plain language. If care is appropriate, you will leave with a recommended plan and a clear idea of next steps. If something falls outside what we treat, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
You deserve a provider who listens first. Dr. Caleb Sneller takes the time to understand your goals and tailors care to your body, not a one-size-fits-all routine. Whether you are a parent juggling a busy schedule, an athlete sidelined by an injury, or a grandparent who wants to keep up with the grandkids, the goal is the same: help you move better and feel stronger for the long run.
If you have severe symptoms such as intense headache, confusion, weakness, numbness, or chest pain, go to the ER first. For ongoing neck pain, back pain, or stiffness without those warning signs, a chiropractic evaluation is a practical next step.
As soon as you reasonably can. Symptoms often appear a day or more after the crash, and an early exam helps catch problems sooner.
No. Iowa is an at-fault state and does not mandate PIP. Optional MedPay coverage may be available on your auto policy, so confirm your coverage with your insurer or agent.
Chiropractic care can be part of a whiplash recovery plan, focusing on restoring neck motion and easing muscle and joint irritation. Your exam determines what is appropriate for you.
No. Whether to involve an attorney is your decision. If you do, we can provide your treatment records on request.
It depends on the injury, its severity, and your overall health. Many people feel better within weeks, while others need longer. After your exam, Dr. Sneller will explain what to expect for your case.
Call West Des Moines Chiropractic at (515) 267-1600 or email frontdesk@westdsmchiropractic.com to schedule your auto injury evaluation.
West Des Moines Chiropractic
5907 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266
