You've been in a car accident on Highway 70 or somewhere around Yuba City. The other driver's insurance is asking if you're hurt. You feel okay. You sign the form, go home — and three days later you wake up unable to turn your head.

This is one of the most common stories we hear at Yuba Sutter Chiropractic. Whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, and small disc herniations often don't produce real pain until the adrenaline wears off and inflammation peaks 48–72 hours later. Here's what to do during that critical window.

The first 24 hours

• Get checked even if you feel fine. A baseline exam documents your condition before symptoms develop, which matters both clinically and for any insurance claim.
• Ice, not heat. Ice the neck, shoulders, and lower back for 15-minute intervals to keep early inflammation down.
• Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, any visible bruising, and write down a timeline.

Days 2–3: when symptoms appear

The most common delayed symptoms are: neck stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, mid-back pain, jaw pain, dizziness, and tingling in the hands. These are classic signs of cervical strain/sprain — the medical name for whiplash. Don't wait them out. Early treatment dramatically reduces the risk of chronic pain six months later.

Why our office is set up for auto-accident cases

Dr. Kalay has cared for hundreds of car-accident patients in the Yuba-Sutter area. We coordinate directly with personal-injury attorneys, work on liens when needed (no out-of-pocket cost while your case is pending), and provide the detailed documentation insurance adjusters require. We also use FAKTR soft-tissue work and RockTape alongside adjustments, which is particularly effective for the muscle guarding that follows whiplash.

If you've been in an accident anywhere in Yuba City, Marysville, or the surrounding area — even a low-speed one — call (530) 441-2225 within the first few days.