Find answers to common questions about car accident injury treatment, chiropractic care, insurance coverage, and our services in Oakland. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to contact us directly.
The most common car accident injuries include whiplash, neck pain, lower back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Many people also experience headaches, shoulder pain, and injuries to the knees, hips, and other extremities. Some injuries appear immediately, while others develop over days or weeks as inflammation builds up in the body.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden forward and backward motion of the head, typically during rear-end collisions. It damages soft tissues, ligaments, and muscles in the neck. At The Shift Chiropractic, we treat whiplash with:
Early treatment is crucial for whiplash recovery and prevents chronic pain development.
Yes, absolutely. Many car accident injuries are delayed injuries that don't show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain in the first 24-72 hours after an accident. Inflammation builds gradually, and internal injuries may not be apparent right away. This is why we recommend seeking chiropractic evaluation as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine. Early detection prevents complications and supports faster healing.
Yes. Even "minor" accidents at low speeds can cause significant injuries. The impact forces in car accidents often exceed what the human body is designed to handle, creating misalignments and soft tissue damage. A professional evaluation helps identify hidden injuries early, preventing chronic pain and long-term complications. Early chiropractic care supports your body's natural healing process and may reduce recovery time.
We do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for car accident injury patients. We understand the urgency of post-accident care. Call us immediately at (510) 858-5370 or text us at (510) 858-5370 to schedule an urgent appointment. Our convenient online scheduling system also allows you to check real-time availability and book your appointment instantly.
The sooner, the better. Ideally, you should seek chiropractic care within 24-48 hours of the accident. This window is optimal for early intervention and documentation of injuries. Early treatment:
However, even if weeks have passed, we can still help address lingering pain and dysfunction.
After a car accident, prioritize safety and documentation:
Yes! We accept Medical Coverage (Med Pay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from your auto insurance policy. We also accept Personal Injury Liens (PIL), which means treatment can be provided now with payment from your settlement later. This takes the financial burden off you during recovery.
A Personal Injury Lien (PIL) is a legal agreement that allows us to provide chiropractic care immediately without requiring payment upfront. We place a lien on your personal injury settlement, and payment comes directly from your settlement funds after your case resolves. This means you can receive the care you need now without worrying about medical bills during your recovery.
Yes, we bill your auto insurance directly for covered services. We handle all insurance paperwork and billing to make the process as seamless as possible for you. We work with most major insurance carriers and understand the claims process. Simply bring your insurance information to your first visit, and we'll take care of the rest.
If your auto insurance doesn't cover chiropractic care, we offer several options:
Contact us to discuss your specific situation and find the best option for you.
The cost depends on your insurance coverage and the extent of your injuries. With auto insurance coverage, you typically only pay your deductible and co-pay. With a Personal Injury Lien, there's no upfront cost. For patients without insurance coverage, we offer affordable care packages. During your first visit, we'll provide a clear cost estimate and discuss all payment options available to you.
Your first visit includes:
This thorough approach ensures we identify all injuries and create an effective recovery plan.
Treatment frequency depends on the severity of your injuries and your body's response to care. Typical patterns include:
We reassess progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan as you heal. Many patients transition to wellness visits after acute recovery is complete.
Most chiropractic appointments take 30-45 minutes. Your first visit may take longer (up to an hour) due to the comprehensive evaluation and paperwork. Subsequent visits are typically shorter as we focus on adjustments and therapeutic care. We respect your time and keep appointments efficient while ensuring you receive thorough, personalized care.
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments:
Dr. Ben Glass and Dr. Irina Velichko customize each treatment plan to your specific injuries and recovery needs.
Chiropractic adjustments should not be painful. You may feel pressure or hear popping sounds, but this is normal and not painful. In fact, adjustments typically provide immediate relief from pain and tension. If you're experiencing pain during treatment, tell your chiropractor immediately. We work gently and can adjust our technique to your comfort level. Some soreness may occur after the first few treatments as your body adjusts, but this typically resolves quickly.
Recovery time varies based on injury severity, your overall health, and treatment consistency. General timelines include:
Many patients notice significant improvement within the first 2-3 weeks of consistent treatment. Complete recovery involves not just pain relief, but full restoration of function and prevention of chronic issues. We track your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Return to normal activities depends on your specific injuries and recovery progress. We provide specific guidance based on your condition:
We'll give you clear guidelines about what's safe at each stage of recovery. Returning too quickly can re-injure yourself, while being overly cautious can slow healing. We help you find the right balance.
Yes. Untreated car accident injuries often lead to:
Early, consistent chiropractic care prevents these complications and supports complete healing. This is why prompt treatment is so important.
Supporting your recovery at home is crucial:
We provide detailed home care instructions tailored to your specific injuries.
Scheduling is easy and convenient:
For urgent car accident cases, call or text immediately to discuss same-day or next-day availability.
Monday: 2–6:30 pm (Dr. Irina)
Tuesday: 7:30 am–12 pm, 2:30–6:30 pm (Dr. Ben)
Wednesday: 11 am–1 pm, 2:30–6:30 pm (Dr. Irina)
Thursday: 7:30 am–12 pm, 2:30–6:30 pm (Dr. Ben)
Friday: 2–6:30 pm (Dr. Irina)
Saturday: 7:30 am–12 pm (Dr. Ben)
For urgent cases, contact us outside these hours and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Please bring:
These documents help us understand your case completely and process insurance efficiently.
We understand that life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours notice. This allows us to accommodate other patients. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. If you're running late, call us immediately so we can adjust your appointment accordingly.
We're conveniently located in downtown Oakland:
The Shift Chiropractic
435 8th St Suite 203
Oakland, CA 94607
We're easily accessible from Old Oakland, Jack London Square, West Oakland, Chinatown, Alameda, San Leandro, Rockridge, Montclair, and Berkeley. Get directions on Google Maps
Yes, parking is available in the building. Our downtown Oakland location provides convenient access and parking options for our patients. If you have specific parking questions, feel free to call us at (510) 858-5370.
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Don't wait to get the care you need after a car accident. Contact The Shift Chiropractic today for a free consultation and let us help you recover completely.
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