Every year, millions of people experience the physical and emotional aftermath of car accidents. Even minor collisions can cause lasting pain that disrupts daily life, work, and sleep. While some injuries are visible and immediate, others take days or even weeks to manifest—leaving many victims unsure where to turn for real, lasting relief.
According to Jordan Sudberg, a nationally recognized pain management specialist, the key to recovering from a car accident isn’t just reacting to pain—it’s understanding its source and treating it strategically.
“Too often, patients either ignore their symptoms or chase short-term relief,” says Sudberg. “The best approach to accident-related pain is a comprehensive one—diagnose it correctly, treat it holistically, and adapt as the body heals.”
In this post, we’ll explore Dr. Sudberg’s top recommendations for managing post-accident pain, the common mistakes to avoid, and how to reclaim your quality of life after an injury.
Understanding the Nature of Car Accident Pain
Whether it’s whiplash from a rear-end collision, soft tissue injuries from side impact, or nerve damage due to spinal trauma, pain after a car crash can take many forms. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes the importance of a thorough medical evaluation—even if you feel “mostly okay” right after the accident.
“Inflammation, nerve irritation, and soft tissue damage don’t always appear immediately,” he explains. “What seems like minor discomfort could develop into chronic pain if not treated early.”
Top Treatments for Car Accident Pain, According to Jordan Sudberg
1. Physical Therapy
One of the first lines of treatment Dr. Sudberg recommends is physical therapy. Targeted exercises help restore range of motion, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term complications like joint dysfunction.
“Movement is medicine,” says Sudberg. “But it needs to be the right movement, at the right time, guided by professionals.”
Physical therapy can also reduce the risk of developing scar tissue or permanent muscle imbalances after an accident.
2. Interventional Pain Management Techniques
For moderate to severe pain, Dr. Sudberg specializes in minimally invasive procedures such as:
- Epidural steroid injections – For spinal inflammation and radiating nerve pain
- Trigger point injections – To relieve muscle knots and referred pain
- Facet joint blocks – For whiplash and neck-related injuries
These treatments offer localized, longer-lasting relief without the systemic side effects of opioids.
“Our goal isn’t to just mask pain,” Sudberg emphasizes. “We want to break the pain cycle and support natural healing.”
3. Chiropractic Care and Spinal Alignment
Many car accidents result in spinal misalignment that leads to chronic headaches, neck pain, or sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments, when paired with physical therapy, can be incredibly effective.
Sudberg advises patients to work with licensed chiropractors who collaborate with pain management specialists for best results.
4. Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies
As part of a holistic approach, Dr. Sudberg often incorporates complementary treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, and guided meditation to reduce stress-related muscle tension and support nervous system recovery.
“Pain is both physical and emotional,” he explains. “Addressing both sides helps the body heal more completely.”
5. Medication—With Caution
While medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce inflammation in the short term, Dr. Sudberg cautions against long-term reliance on painkillers—especially opioids.
“Medication can be part of the picture, but it should never be the whole picture,” he says. “The goal is sustainable relief, not dependency.”
When to Seek Specialized Help
If pain persists for more than a few weeks, or if it interferes with sleep, work, or mobility, Jordan Sudberg advises seeking care from a board-certified pain management specialist.
“Chronic pain develops when acute injuries are left untreated or under-treated,” Sudberg warns. “The earlier you intervene, the better your chances of full recovery.”
He also urges patients to avoid the “wait and see” mentality. Even small discomforts can evolve into complex pain conditions like chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or fibromyalgia after trauma.
Final Thoughts from Jordan Sudberg
Recovering from a car accident isn’t just about healing broken bones or visible bruises—it’s about addressing the full spectrum of pain your body might experience. According to Jordan Sudberg, real healing comes from proactive, personalized, and multifaceted care.
“No two patients are the same, and no two pain experiences are alike,” he says. “The most effective treatment plans are built around the individual—not just the injury.”
If you’ve recently been in a car accident and are dealing with ongoing pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Seek out a pain management expert, listen to your body, and give yourself the chance to recover fully—not just quickly.