Neck pain and stiffness
Turning your head, looking over your shoulder or finding a comfortable position may feel different after the accident.
Explore neck pain care →Car accident care · Shelton, Connecticut
After an accident,
start with clarity.
Neck pain, back discomfort or stiffness after a motor vehicle accident can leave you unsure of your next step. An individual evaluation helps you understand your symptoms and whether non-surgical care at our Shelton center is appropriate.
Some symptoms need emergency care first.
After an accident, call 911 or go to an emergency department for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, a seizure, loss of consciousness, or new weakness or numbness. Severe neck pain or difficulty walking also needs urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Our office does not replace emergency or concussion evaluation.
Understand what you are feeling
Symptoms may not tell the whole story right away.
Whiplash is a neck injury associated with a sudden movement of the head, including during a vehicle collision. Pain and stiffness may take hours to become noticeable. An examination matters even when symptoms seem similar to a previous episode of neck or back pain.
Back and shoulder discomfort
Describe where you hurt and which movements or daily activities bring on symptoms. Similar complaints can have different causes.
Explore back pain care →Headaches or other changes
Report headaches, dizziness, concentration problems and changes in sensation to a medical professional. These should not automatically be attributed to muscle soreness.
Your evaluation
Start with the details.
Build a clear next step.
Dr. James J. Dalfino will discuss the accident, your symptoms, relevant health history and any emergency or other medical care you have received. Your history and examination help determine whether care here is appropriate or whether additional medical assessment, imaging or a referral should come first.
Bring any discharge instructions, imaging reports, a current medication list and details of prior treatment. Let us know how symptoms affect driving, work, sleep and everyday movement.
Meet Dr. Dalfino →Non-surgical care
The right care begins
with the right evaluation.
Our practice focuses on non-surgical options: no medications, no injections and no surgery. That describes the care we offer; some injuries require medical treatment outside our office.
If you are a candidate, recommendations are tailored to your findings, goals and response. No device or treatment is automatically appropriate simply because you were in an accident. Recovery time and results vary.
Before your visit
Make the first conversation easier.
When scheduling, tell our team that your symptoms followed a motor vehicle accident. Have the accident date and any insurance or claim information available so we can discuss appointment and billing questions before your visit.
Coverage, payment arrangements and eligibility for offers must be confirmed for your individual situation. We do not promise insurance payment or a particular claim outcome.
Insurance information →Payment options →Common questions
Answers before
your appointment.
Can symptoms start later after a car accident?
Yes. Whiplash pain and stiffness may take hours to appear. Contact a medical professional about new or changing symptoms, and seek emergency care for the warning signs listed above.
Should I come here instead of the emergency department?
No. Our office provides scheduled evaluation and non-surgical care for appropriate patients. Serious injuries and possible concussion need medical assessment. Follow any emergency discharge instructions and arrange recommended follow-up.
Do I need an MRI before my appointment?
An MRI is not a requirement for scheduling. Bring reports from any imaging you have already had. Whether additional imaging is needed depends on your history, examination and medical recommendations.
Will my auto insurance pay for treatment?
That depends on your coverage and claim circumstances. Call our team before your visit with your insurance information so we can discuss billing questions. Coverage and payment are not guaranteed.
Is spinal decompression right for every accident injury?
No. An accident alone does not make someone a candidate. The diagnosis, injury history and examination determine whether decompression or any other service should be considered. Further testing or referral may come first.
For attorneys
25+ years working with motor vehicle accident victims.
We welcome attorney referrals and work with letters of protection and liens. Contact our team to discuss your client and coordinate an individual evaluation.
Send Us a ClientRelated care
Explore the areas affecting you.
Meet your doctor
Dr. James J. Dalfino →
Your next step · Shelton, CT
Get answers.
Know your next step.
Contact Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers to discuss an evaluation after your motor vehicle accident. Tell us about any medical care you have already received.
Schedule an Evaluation2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 208 · Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 922-9277
Patient education sources
General educational resources; these organizations do not endorse this practice or its services. Individual recommendations require an examination.