A car accident can turn your world upside down in seconds. Even if it was a “minor” collision and you walked away feeling okay, the hours and days that follow are incredibly important for your long-term health.

Many injuries from car accidents don’t show up right away. In fact, some of the most common issues — like whiplash, muscle strains, joint injuries, and spinal misalignments — often take 24–72 hours to fully reveal themselves.

Here’s what you should do in the first 48 hours after a car accident to protect your body, reduce pain, and support proper healing.

1. Get Checked — Even If You Feel “Fine”

Right after an accident, adrenaline can mask pain. It’s very common for people to say, “I feel okay,” only to wake up the next day with stiffness, headaches, or soreness that keeps getting worse. Seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible is crucial. This may include:

·      An urgent care or ER visit if symptoms are severe

·      Your primary care provider

·      A chiropractor trained in accident-related injuries

Early evaluation helps to identify hidden injuries, create documentation for insurance or legal purposes, and prevent small issues from growing into larger problems.

2. Rest — But Don’t Completely Shut Down

Your body has been through trauma. Rest is important, especially in the first 24 hours. However, total inactivity can slow healing. The best way to take care of yourself is to:

·      Get some gentle movement in, like a slow walk

·      Avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts

·      Change positions often instead of staying in bed all day

Listen to your body. The goal is to stay lightly mobile without pushing through pain.

3. Use Ice (Not Heat) in the First 48 Hours

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury — but too much inflammation leads to pain and stiffness. For the first 48 hours:

·      Use ice, not heat

·      Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time

·      Focus on sore areas like the neck, shoulders, or lower back

·      Ice 2–4 times per day

Heat can increase swelling early on, so it’s best saved for later stages of healing.

4. Pay Attention to Delayed Symptoms

Some accident-related symptoms appear gradually. Keep an eye out for:

·      Neck or back stiffness

·      Headaches or migraines

·      Jaw pain or clicking

·      Shoulder or hip pain

·      Tingling or numbness

·      Trouble sleeping

·      Brain fog or fatigue

If symptoms seem mild at first but worsen over time, that’s a sign your body needs support, and it’s not something to ignore.

5. Avoid “Toughing It Out”

Many people delay care because they don’t want to overreact, don’t have immediate pain, or assume soreness will just go away. Unfortunately, untreated injuries can lead to:

·      Chronic neck or back pain

·      Reduced mobility

·      Long-term headaches

·      Compensatory movement patterns that stress other joints

Early care isn’t about being dramatic, it’s about preventing long-term problems.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Healing requires fuel. In the days after an accident:

·      Drink plenty of water

·      Eat protein-rich foods to support tissue repair

·      Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains

Your body heals best when it’s well-nourished and hydrated.

7. Consider Chiropractic Care Early

Chiropractic care plays an important role in recovery after car accidents, and can be especially helpful in the first few days.

A chiropractor can:

·      Assess spinal alignment and joint function

·      Address whiplash and soft tissue injuries

·      Reduce inflammation and muscle tension

·      Restore normal movement patterns

·      Help prevent chronic pain from developing

Early chiropractic care is often gentler and more effective than waiting until pain becomes severe.

8. Document Everything

Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, documentation matters.

·      Write down symptoms as they appear

·      Keep track of appointments

·      Save accident and insurance information

This protects you and ensures continuity of care if symptoms change or if legal action becomes necessary.

The first 48 hours after a car accident can shape how your body heals — or how pain lingers for years to come.

Even if the accident seemed minor, taking early action can make a huge difference in recovery time, pain levels, and long-term spinal health. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, listening to your body and getting evaluated early is one of the best investments you can make in your future health.