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Should I Go To A Chiropractor After An Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should go to a chiropractor. The answer is YES. Chiropractors can help with many common problems after an accident, such as neck and back pain.

They can help identify, diagnose, and treat injuries, but it’s important to know that they can help determine what was injured, and assist in proper treatment and follow-up. Your Chiropractor can also refer you for imaging studies and other specialists when necessary.

Keep reading for more information on whether or not you should visit a chiropractor after an accident.

woman on road distraught after accident

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic care is effective in treating back pain and neck pain. It can also help correct the structure of the spine to relieve and improve joint function and range of motion in the spine. Treatment for shoulders, arms, hands, hips, knees, and feet are also within the scope of care.

Chiropractors use various techniques to align the spine, including manual adjustments, corrective traction and exercise. Modalities to decreased pain and inflammation include electrical stimulation and intersegmental traction. .

When Do You Need It?

Most people seek chiropractic care for relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or pain in the joints of the arms or legs. If you’ve been in an accident, you may be wondering if you should see a chiropractor. It may surprise you to know that the severity of your injuries is not related to the force of the impact of the accident. Changes in the alignment of the spine can occur in minor fender benders and can lead to chronic issues.

Evaluation of your spine is necessary whether you are in a minor or severe car accident. It is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A chiropractor can help relieve pain, correct alignment (structure) improve range of motion and function, and prevent further injury.

Some Questions To Ask Yourself

If you have been in a car accident, there are a few things to consider before seeing a chiropractor.

  • Studies show that the amount of damage to your car does not determine the injury to the occupants. Therefore, regardless of the amount of damage to your car, you deserve to get evaluated for injury.
  • Second, whether or not you are in immediate pain, it’s worth considering seeing a chiropractor. Symptoms of injury don’t always appear immediately. Often, delayed onset of injuries takes days or weeks. It’s best to be evaluated, since most injuries are verified through examination and x-ray studies, even it pain has not yet begun.

picture of vertebrate model2

Reasons To Get Chiropractic Treatment After Car Accident

If you have been in a car crash accident, it is important to seek chiropractic treatment as soon as possible. Chiropractic care can help with:

1. Addressing Diagnosed And Undiagnosed Injuries

In many cases, car accidents result in serious injuries that are not immediately apparent. Chiropractic care can help to identify and address any hidden injuries or missed injuries. Additionally, it can help to alleviate any pain or discomfort caused by the accident.

2. Alleviating Migraines And Chronic Headaches

Migraines and chronic headaches are common after a car accident. The jolting motion can cause your neck and back to tense up, damage ligaments and discs, and lead to headaches. Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate migraines and acute and chronic headaches by adjusting the spine and neck. This will help relieve the tension and pain associated with migraines and chronic headaches.

3. Reducing Scar Tissue And Inflammation

Car accidents often result in scar tissue formation and inflammation. The treatment can help reduce scar tissue and inflammation by promoting the healing process and restoring proper function. It can also help reduce the pain associated with scar tissue and inflammation.

4. Greater Range Of Motion

After a car accident, you may experience a loss of range of motion. The treatment can help restore range of motion by adjusting and correcting the spinal posture and joints. This will restore function and help your body to move more freely and reduce pain.

5. Aligning The Spinal Column

The jolting motion of an auto accident can cause the spinal column to become damage, resulting in changes to posture and misaligned vertebrae. Chiropractic treatment can help align the spinal column, which will reduce pain and improve function. Remember, structure determines function, and if the abnormal structure of the spine remains uncorrected, normal function will not return, and a transition to chronic pain can occur.

How Long Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?

There is no definitive answer as to how long you should see a chiropractor after a car accident. However, studies support a treatment plan based on thorough examination findings, x-ray and biomechanical analysis of the spine, and a determination of what is necessary to restore the normal structure. You will be provided this information at your report of findings when your injuries and treatment plan are discussed.

Structural rehabilitation will help ensure that your body has fully healed and that you are able to get back to your regular routine. If you are still experiencing pain or discomfort after this time period, be sure to consult with your chiropractor for further guidance.

Dr Lee chiropractor performing neck therapy on female patient

FAQs

1. Should I See a Chiropractor Immediately Following My Car Accident?

It is generally recommended that you see a chiropractor immediately following your car accident. This will allow the chiropractor to properly assess your condition, if whiplash injury has occurred, and develop a treatment plan. If you wait too long to see a chiropractor, your condition may worsen and it could take longer to heal.

2. How Soon After My Car Accident Can I Visit a Chiropractor?

Immediately is the best response. The sooner you are evaluated and receive treatment, the better your chances are of making a full recovery. Many insurance companies also cover chiropractic care after an accident.

3. What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash That A Chiropractor Can Treat?

Chiropractors can treat a variety of symptoms associated with whiplash injury, including neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Loss or reversal of the neck curvature, ligament instability due to overstretched ligaments, or other changes to normal alignment can lead to disc injuries and chronic pain. Shoulders and other joints should be evaluated as well, since injuries to joints is common. The most important thing is to determine the cause of your symptoms and treat them.

4. What If My Car Accident Was Minor?

If your car accident was minor, you still should be evaluated by a chiropractor. Research shows that for every car accident injury to the neck, there is a loss of a minimum of 10 degrees of curvature. This change in spinal structure causes a change in normal function and sets you up for a transition to chronic pain. Whether you have immediate or delayed onset of symptoms, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out. A chiropractor can perform a thorough examination and determine whether or not you have any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

5. When Should I Stop Seeing The Chiropractor?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the decision of when to stop seeing a chiropractor will vary depending on the individual’s situation. However, based on your evaluation and treatment plan, your chiropractor should have a good idea of the number of treatments necessary to achieve improvement. Each person is different, and there are a number of complicating factors that may take longer to reach your goals.

If you have any concerns about whether or not you should continue seeing a chiropractor, you should always consult with your chiropractor and express your concerns.

6. How Much Does It Cost To See An Accident Injury Chiropractor?

The cost of seeing a chiropractor after an accident can vary depending on the practitioner’s fees, your injuries, and the type of treatment you receive. However, on average, chiropractic care tends to be relatively affordable, and most insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs.

You can contact your personal injury attorney in this regard, or ask to be referred to a trusted attorney. For those without insurance, many chiropractors offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to make treatment more affordable.

Conclusion

If you have been in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This guide provides information on when and how to go about seeking chiropractic care. Following it can help ensure that you receive the best treatment possible after being injured in an accident.

#chiropracticcare #autoaccidentinjury #neckpainrelief #backpainrelief

#whiplashtreatment #rehabilitation #injuryrecovery #accidentrecovery

#postaccidentcare #holistichealing

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