What is Spinal Decompression Therapy and how does it benefit back pain?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled, gentle traction to reduce mechanical pressure on the spine. It may relieve pain associated with herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc changes, spinal stiffness, and certain forms of sciatica by decreasing pressure on irritated spinal structures and improving joint mobility. Treatment plans are customized based on your examination, symptoms, and imaging when appropriate.

Is chiropractic care safe if I have a diagnosed herniated disc?

A herniated disc does not automatically prevent you from receiving chiropractic care, but the type of treatment must be selected carefully. We review your symptoms, neurological findings, medical history, and available MRI or other imaging before recommending treatment, and may use gentler techniques such as spinal decompression, mobilization, or other non-force therapies when traditional manipulation is not appropriate.

What exactly is SoftWave Therapy and how fast will I see results?

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves into injured or painful tissue to stimulate biological processes associated with circulation, tissue repair, and healing. It is commonly used for chronic tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, and soft-tissue conditions. Some patients notice improvement after the first few treatments, while chronic conditions may require several sessions before significant changes are noticed; individual results vary depending on the condition and severity.

Do I need a primary care physician referral to begin treatment at your clinic?

In most cases, no. Chiropractic care is generally available through direct access, meaning you may schedule an evaluation without first obtaining a referral from your primary care physician. Certain insurance plans or specific medical circumstances may have additional requirements, which we can verify before treatment begins.

Do you accept Medicare and major private health insurance providers?

We accept Medicare and most major insurances. Chiropractic benefits, deductibles, copayments, and covered services vary by plan, so our office can verify your benefits before treatment. Some services, including certain advanced therapies, may not be covered even when chiropractic care itself is included in your plan.

Will my diagnostic images (X-rays, MRI scans) be taken at your clinic?

No. When diagnostic imaging is medically appropriate, we refer patients to a local imaging facility for X-rays, MRI, or other studies and review the results as part of your treatment planning. Existing images and radiology reports are also helpful and should be brought or sent to our office whenever available.

Are non-surgical spinal treatments painful or uncomfortable?

Most non-surgical spinal treatments are designed to be comfortable and are well tolerated. You may experience mild stretching, pressure, or temporary soreness as your body responds to treatment, particularly during the first few visits. Treatment intensity is adjusted to your condition and comfort level, and you should always tell your provider if something feels painful or unusual.

How many sessions will I need before my chronic sciatica resolves?

There is no single number of treatments that can guarantee resolution of sciatica because the underlying cause, severity, duration, and neurological involvement differ from patient to patient. Some patients improve within several visits, while chronic disc-related or degenerative conditions may require a longer course of care. After your examination and review of any necessary imaging, we will recommend an individualized treatment plan and regularly reassess your progress.

What is your clinic’s cancellation and appointment rescheduling policy?

We understand that schedules can change. We ask that patients provide at least 24 hours’ notice when canceling or rescheduling an appointment.

Is SoftWave Therapy covered by commercial health insurance?

SoftWave Therapy is frequently considered a non-covered or elective service by commercial health insurance plans, although coverage varies by carrier and individual policy. When it is not covered, treatment is available on a self-pay basis, and our staff will explain all costs before care begins. Insurance coverage for other services provided during your visit may be different.

← Back to blog Concussion

Concussion Awareness: Don’t Ignore Symptoms After an Accident

Iron Spine Medical · Lakeland, Florida

Driver holding their head with a headache in the days after a car accident

You walk away from the crash. The car is dented, your heart is racing, but you tell the officer, “I’m okay.” Two days later, a dull headache will not quit, bright lights feel harsh, and you keep losing your train of thought at work.

This is how many concussions after a car accident in Lakeland, FL begin: quietly, and easy to brush off. At Iron Spine Medical, we meet patients every week who waited too long because they assumed a concussion needs a hard hit to the head or a blackout. It does not. Understanding the warning signs can protect your health, and it can also protect your personal injury claim.

Can You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?

Yes. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. In a car accident, that can happen even when nothing strikes your head. A rear-end collision on a busy road like I-4 or US 98 can whip your head back and forth in a fraction of a second.

You also do not have to lose consciousness. Many people with a concussion never pass out, which is exactly why so many cases go unnoticed after an auto accident injury.

Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident

Symptoms are different for every person, and they can change during recovery. According to the CDC, they usually fall into four groups.

Physical symptoms

Headaches or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea
Sensitivity to light or noise
Vision problems
Feeling tired with low energy

Thinking and memory symptoms

Trouble concentrating
Feeling foggy, groggy, or slowed down
Memory problems
Trouble thinking clearly

Emotional symptoms

Irritability or feeling easily angered
Anxiety or nervousness
Sadness
Feeling more emotional than usual

Sleep changes

Sleeping more or less than usual
Trouble falling asleep

If you notice even one or two of these after a collision, treat it as a signal, not an inconvenience.

Why Concussion Symptoms Can Show Up Hours or Days Later

Adrenaline is a powerful mask. Right after a crash, your body floods with stress hormones that can hide pain and confusion. Once that wears off, symptoms often surface. The CDC notes that concussion signs may take hours or days to appear or be noticed, and that symptoms tend to be most severe in the first one to two days after the injury.

That delay is the reason we encourage every Lakeland driver involved in a crash to get checked, even if they feel fine at the scene.

Red Flags: When to Go to the Emergency Room Right Away

Some symptoms can point to a more serious brain injury. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you notice seizures or convulsions; not recognizing people or places; repeated vomiting; increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation; loss of consciousness with growing drowsiness or inability to stay awake; slurred speech, weakness, numbness or loss of coordination; a headache that keeps getting worse and does not go away; or one pupil larger than the other, or double vision.

Emergency care always comes first. Our role begins after life-threatening problems have been ruled out.

Concussion and Whiplash: Why They Often Travel Together

The same force that jolts your brain can strain the soft tissues and joints of your neck. That is why headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, and shoulder tension often appear together after a crash. It can be hard to tell where one problem ends and the other begins, which makes a careful evaluation important.

As a personal injury chiropractor team in Lakeland, we look closely at the neck and spine after a collision. If you are also dealing with back or leg symptoms, our guide on back and herniated disc pain after a car accident explains what to watch for. For a closer look at how we approach spinal injuries from crashes, read how a chiropractor treats auto accident injuries.

Why Acting Quickly Matters for Your PIP Claim in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the coverage most drivers rely on after a crash. In general, PIP requires you to receive initial treatment within 14 days of the accident to access your benefits. A concussion that is ignored for two weeks can leave a gap in your medical records and make it harder to connect your symptoms to the collision.

Prompt care does two things at once. It protects your health, and it creates a clear medical record that links your symptoms to the accident. Coverage rules can change, so confirm the details of your policy with your insurer or an attorney. If you are unsure what to do first, our checklist on what to do after a car accident in Lakeland, FL walks you through each step.

What to Do in the First 72 Hours After an Accident

Get checked. Visit the ER or urgent care if you hit your head, lost consciousness, or have any red flag symptom.
Rest your body and your brain. Limit screens, loud places, and mentally draining tasks while symptoms are strong.
Do not drive if you feel dizzy, foggy, or slowed down.
Track your symptoms. Write down what you feel, when it started, and whether it is getting better or worse.
Avoid alcohol and any activity that risks another head impact.
Schedule an evaluation with a local provider who understands auto accident injury care.
Keep every record, including discharge papers, receipts, and photos of the scene.

How Iron Spine Medical Helps Lakeland Accident Patients

Iron Spine Medical focuses on trauma-related injuries, including car accidents, personal injuries, sports injuries, workplace injuries, and slips and falls. Under the care of Dr. Christopher King, we evaluate how a collision has affected your neck, back, and joints, and we document your symptoms so your injuries are clearly recorded from day one.

Here is how we can support your recovery after the emergency phase:

Thorough evaluation of spinal and soft tissue injuries that often accompany head trauma
Auto injury treatment plans built around your symptoms and daily demands
Hands-on and rehabilitative care, including chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy in Lakeland, when appropriate for your condition
Referrals to other providers when your symptoms call for a medical or specialist opinion

To see everything we offer for crash-related injuries, visit our auto injury care page for Lakeland, FL. You can also learn more about Dr. King and our team.

Head injuries do not only happen on the road. If your symptoms began after a fall, our page on slip and fall injuries in Lakeland covers what to expect, and athletes can read about sports injury treatment in Lakeland.

Do Not Wait: Get Checked After Your Accident

A headache that “should be gone by now,” a mind that feels cloudy, or a mood that is not like you are all reasons to pause and get answers. Early attention protects your long-term health and strengthens your personal injury case in Lakeland.

If you were in a crash and something does not feel right, contact Iron Spine Medical today to schedule your evaluation.

Iron Spine Medical
1847 N Crystal Lake Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
813-435-6876

Schedule Your Evaluation

Concussion FAQs From Lakeland Patients

Should I go to the ER or a chiropractor first after a car accident in Lakeland?

If you hit your head, blacked out, or have any red flag symptom, go to the emergency room first. For neck pain, back pain, and lingering headaches without emergency signs, a personal injury chiropractor can evaluate your spine and soft tissues. Many patients do both, starting with the ER and following up with us.

How long after a crash can concussion symptoms appear?

Some appear within minutes, but others take hours or even days to show up. If you notice headaches, fogginess, dizziness, or mood changes in the days after an accident, get evaluated rather than waiting for them to pass.

Does Florida PIP cover an evaluation after a car accident?

PIP is designed to help pay for reasonable medical expenses after a crash, and it generally requires initial treatment within 14 days. Benefit limits and conditions depend on your policy, so verify the details with your insurance company. Our team can explain what we document and help you understand next steps.

Can I still have a concussion if I did not hit my head?

Yes. A sudden jolt to the body that whips the head back and forth can cause one. Many Lakeland rear-end collisions happen with no direct head impact at all.

Is it safe to go back to work or drive with concussion symptoms?

If you feel dizzy, foggy, or slowed down, avoid driving and heavy mental or physical tasks until a healthcare provider says it is safe. Pushing through symptoms can make them last longer.

Do I need a lawyer to get care at a personal injury clinic in Lakeland?

No. You can seek medical care for an accident injury at any time, and many patients start treatment before deciding whether to speak with an attorney. If you do work with a lawyer later, thorough records from your first visit can help.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you or someone else has a serious head injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Insurance and legal information is general in nature, so confirm the specifics of your situation with your insurer or an attorney.