A lot happens after a car accident. Even a minor one can cause a large amount of trouble. While you should visit a hospital right after a car accident, visiting a chiropractor is also very important. Even more important is seeing a chiropractor with extensive experience in treating car accident injuries.
The hospital needs to check you first for major injuries, fractures, internal injuries, or other serious complications. Sometimes a fracture isn’t obvious until an X-ray is taken. For that reason and several others, a medical evaluation at a hospital is essential to determine the full nature of any injuries. Once that is done, scheduling a chiropractic appointment is wise.
Reasons to See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident
- Delayed Reaction Pain
Due to adrenaline, people often initially feel fine after a car accident. However, anywhere between one and 30 days, sometimes more, pain and aches from a variety of issues can occur. Chiropractic care is a well-documented method for pain management and treatment.
- Inflammation
Swelling doesn’t happen immediately. It’s how your body reacts to wounds and infections. Some swelling can be caused by misalignments and chiropractic adjustments can help.
- Nerve Problems.
Nerve issues can also take time to become apparent. A chiropractic adjustment can alleviate pressure on a nerve giving partial or complete relief.
- Improve Headaches and Migraines
Headaches are one of the most common post-car accident symptoms. Chiropractic care can help.
- Whiplash
Even with airbags and seat belts, the head and neck are commonly jerked around during a car accident, even a very mild one. Chiropractic care shortly after an accident can prevent long-term problems from whiplash.
- Hidden Soft-Tissue Injuries
X-rays at the hospital will detect breaks but not soft-tissue injuries to ligaments, tendons, or muscles. A chiropractic visit after a car accident will involve a full-body evaluation that can identify such injuries and start the treatment process.
- Documentation for a Legal Case
If you have to sue – or even for insurance claims – documenting your medical needs and care is essential.
- Maintain a Normal Range of Motion
Range of motion can be adversely affected after a car accident due to inflammation and other injuries. Chiropractic care and any recommended exercises suggested at home can help maintain your normal range of motion and help to restore it after any limitations from a car accident.
- Prevent Scar Tissue
Bodywork can minimize scar tissue build up.
- Non-Invasive Care
Chiropractic care is non-invasive. While surgery can be necessary for certain types of injuries, you then have to heal from both the injury and the surgery. When non-invasive treatment like chiropractic care is a viable option for a car accident, it means you only have to heal from the injury itself.
Talk to Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness
If you’ve been in a car accident, chiropractic care can help. Just contact us at Total Chiropractic Care. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine if it’s the right solution for your needs. Dr. Goldman creates treatment plans that incorporate pain management services as well as general lifestyle recommendations to help you live the best life you can. Contact us today.