Trouble Moving After a Crash
When turning your head, bending forward, or lifting an arm suddenly feels limited or painful after a crash, it usually means something in that area is injured.
We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.
Common causes of limited movement
Limited range of motion after a crash commonly comes from muscle guarding around a strained area, inflamed joints, a bulging disc pressing on a nerve, or a ligament injury. Which movement is limited gives clues: trouble turning the head points to the neck, pain bending forward points to the lower back, and trouble lifting the arm points to the shoulder. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or imaging may be recommended once a doctor has examined you.
When this is a medical emergency
Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:
- You cannot move a limb at all, or it feels numb or weak
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe back or neck pain after a hard impact
- Fever with a very stiff neck
Commonly linked to these accident types
This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.
Trouble Moving: find a doctor by city
Pick your city to see local care options, or contact us directly. We cover all of California.
Southern California
- Anaheim
- Bell Gardens
- Burbank
- Canoga Park
- Chula Vista
- Compton
- Costa Mesa
- Downey
- East LA Community
- East Los Angeles
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- Escondido
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Glendale
- Huntington Beach
- Inglewood
- Irvine
- Koreatown
- Lake Forest
- Lancaster
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Norwalk
- Oceanside
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- San Diego
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Simi Valley
- South Los Angeles
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Van Nuys
- Ventura
- Vista
- West Covina
Inland Empire
Bay Area
North Bay
Greater Sacramento
Central Coast
Care options for this symptom
Doctors and treatment
Get connected with a doctor now
A real person responds, at no cost to you, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Frequently asked questions
Is limited movement after a crash serious?
It can be a simple strain, or a sign of a disc or ligament injury. Because you cannot tell which from home, a medical exam is the safest way to find out.
Which specialist treats limited range of motion?
It often starts with an accident injury doctor, then physical therapy or chiropractic care, and an orthopedic or spine specialist when imaging shows a structural injury.
Can I be seen with no insurance?
Yes. Many providers treat accident injuries on a medical lien basis, with billing sorted out later. Ask for the terms before treatment starts.
Related guides
- Car AccidentsWhat to Do After a Car Accident With No InsuranceBeing in a car accident without insurance is stressful, but you still have options. Learn the steps to take immediately after a crash to protect your health and your rights in California.
- Medical CareDo I Need a Lawyer to See a Doctor After a Crash?No, you do not need a lawyer to get medical treatment after an accident. Many California clinics and providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- Immigration & AccidentsCan You Get Deported for a Car Accident in California?A car accident by itself is not a reason for deportation. Here is what actually can put your immigration status at risk after a crash, and what does not, in plain language.