Auto Accident Chiropractor in Memphis, TN
A car accident can change everything in a split second — and the injuries it leaves behind often don't show up for days or weeks. Dr. Matt Hayden has been treating auto accident injuries in downtown Memphis since 2006. We diagnose what's wrong, build a treatment plan that gets you out of pain, and provide the documentation your insurance or attorney needs to support your claim.
If you've been in an accident, don't wait. The sooner you're evaluated, the better your outcome — medically and legally.
Overview / What Is It
Why You Need a Chiropractor After a Car Accident
Even low-speed collisions generate enough force to misalign your spine, damage soft tissue, and compress nerves. The problem is that adrenaline and inflammation mask the damage in the first 24–72 hours. By the time you feel the pain, the injury has already started to set — and delayed treatment makes recovery harder.
A chiropractic evaluation immediately after an accident catches what you can't feel yet: whiplash, spinal misalignment, disc injury, and soft tissue damage that will become chronic problems if left unaddressed.
Why Timing Matters — See Us Within 72 Hours
Waiting too long after an accident creates two problems. Medically, untreated injuries become harder to resolve as scar tissue forms and compensatory patterns develop. Legally, gaps between the accident and your first medical visit weaken your claim. Insurance companies look for delays and use them to minimize payouts.
Get evaluated within 72 hours. Even if you feel fine, get checked. The injuries that feel minor today are often the ones that become chronic tomorrow.
Conditions We Treat
cervical hyperextension/flexion from impact forces
cervicogenic, post-traumatic, and tension headaches
spinal misalignment, disc compression, and muscular strain
Soft tissue injuries
sprains, strains, and ligament damage throughout the spine
Disc injuries
herniated, bulging, or compressed discs from impact force
Sciatica
nerve compression from lumbar misalignment caused by collision
Shoulder and extremity pain
from bracing, seatbelt force, or direct impact
Our Approach
Our Treatment Approach
Dr. Hayden begins with a thorough examination — postural analysis, range of motion testing, neurological evaluation, and X-rays or imaging review. Once the full scope of injury is identified, he builds a corrective care plan using chiropractic adjustments [/chiropractic-adjustments/] to restore spinal alignment, spinal decompression for disc-related injuries, and SoftWave Therapy for soft tissue regeneration and inflammation reduction.
This multi-modal approach treats the full injury — not just the pain you feel today.
Insurance & Documentation
We understand how auto accident claims work. Dr. Hayden provides thorough documentation of your injuries, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress — the kind of records that insurance adjusters and personal injury attorneys need. We work with most PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage and medical lien arrangements. Our office handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Who Is This For
Auto accident chiropractic care is for anyone who has been in a vehicle collision — regardless of whether you currently feel pain. It's especially important for patients experiencing neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, or radiating symptoms in the days following an accident. It's also essential for anyone needing comprehensive injury documentation for an insurance claim or personal injury case.
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Get evaluated now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Yes. Chiropractic evaluation catches injuries that don't produce immediate symptoms — whiplash, disc compression, and spinal misalignment that worsen over time if left untreated.
How soon after an accident should I be seen?
Within 72 hours. Early evaluation leads to better medical outcomes and stronger insurance documentation.
Does auto insurance cover chiropractic?
In most cases, yes. PIP coverage and medical liens typically apply to chiropractic care after an auto accident. Call our office at 901-521-9355 and we'll help you understand your coverage.
What if I don't feel pain right away?
That's common and expected. Adrenaline and inflammation mask injury symptoms for days or even weeks. A chiropractic exam identifies structural damage before the pain sets in.
Do you provide documentation for insurance claims?
Yes. We provide detailed records of your diagnosis, treatment, and progress — formatted for insurance companies and personal injury attorneys.