What Happens After a Car Accident? A Case Study from a Physical Therapist

By: Quinard L. Webb
Physical Therapist | Certified Brain Injury Specialist

As a physical therapist at the Brain Spine Pain Institute of Lake Nona, I often serve patients who don’t realize how deeply a motor vehicle collision (MVC) can affect their body—and their mind. While bruises and broken bones may be obvious, many symptoms unfold slowly, sometimes days or even weeks later.

Let me share the story of one of our patients (we’ll call her Mallory), whose journey is a powerful example of the hidden toll of a car accident—and how comprehensive physical therapy can help restore function, confidence, and quality of life.

The Incident

Mallory, a vibrant professional in her mid-40s, was involved in a moderate-speed rear-end collision. Although she walked away from the scene, she quickly began noticing a constellation of troubling symptoms.

What started as a sore neck and a headache became something much bigger.

Mallory’s Symptoms After the Crash

By the time she came to our clinic, Mallory was struggling with:

• Neck pain, headaches, and mid/low back pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
• Brain fog, confusion, and memory loss
• Light and noise sensitivity
• Blurred and double vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Numbness and tingling in her left arm, especially in the C7/C8 dermatome
• Left-sided chest pain
• Bowel and rectal issues
• Difficulty walking
• Insomnia and night sweats
• Weight changes
• Depression and decreased activity tolerance

She was overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of where to begin. She arrived at Brain Spine Pain Institute of Lake Nona where her neurologist/Pain Management Specialist (Dr. Mbeo) provided medical management and referred her for skilled physical therapy services at this facility.

What Was Happening to Mallory?

Mallory’s symptoms were consistent with post-concussive syndrome and whiplash-associated disorder, along with possible nerve compression or radiculopathy affecting her cervical spine. These injuries often affect not just muscles and joints, but the nervous system, vestibular system (balance), and even gut-brain interactions!
Many patients think they just need rest. But in Mallory’s case—and so many like hers—skilled /our-services/physical-therapy/

was essential for her recovery.

Her Road to Recovery at Brain Spine Pain Institute of Lake Nona

At her initial evaluation, we focused on comprehensive assessment:

• Cervical range of motion and joint mobility
• Neurological screening (dermatomes, reflexes, strength)
• Balance testing
• Visual-vestibular integration
• Postural alignment and core stability
• Gait and endurance evaluation

From there, we built a personalized treatment plan:

Treatment Highlights:

• Manual therapy to relieve cervical and thoracic tension following whiplash
• Neuromuscular re-education to restore balance and coordination
• Cervical stabilization and posture training
• Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and light sensitivity
• Therapeutic exercise to improve strength, mobility, and endurance of legs and core
• Patient education on pacing, stress management, and ergonomic modifications
• Gradual exposure to stimuli (light, sound, movement) to reduce hypersensitivities

We collaborated closely with Dr. Mbeo, adjusting goals in tandem with medication management and other recommendations.

Mallory Today

After 10 weeks of targeted therapy, Mallory’s transformation was remarkable.

• She could walk confidently again
• Her dizziness and nausea dramatically decreased
• Her headaches became less frequent and intense
• Sensory issues and numbness improved with postural work and nerve gliding
• She began returning to explore local Disney Parks again, due to gaining the strength and confidence to do so!
• Most importantly, she felt hopeful again

The Takeaway

If you’ve been in a car accident—even a “minor” one—don’t ignore the lingering effects. Symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, numbness, and insomnia are not “just in your head.” They’re real, treatable signs that your brain, spine, and body are asking for help.

At the Brain Spine Pain Institute of Lake Nona, we treat the whole person—mind, body, and nervous system. Through specialized physical therapy, we help people like Mallory find clarity, strength, and balance again.

Have You Been in an Accident?

If you’re experiencing similar symptoms or just not feeling like yourself after a collision, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to our team today to schedule a thorough evaluation.

Healing starts with movement—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.