No one wants to deal with a car accident, especially considering life’s already demanding challenges. The additional stress and concerns that come with a car accident can be overwhelming. Moreover, injuries from the incident can further complicate your life, requiring time off work and limiting your ability to perform certain tasks. One key decision post-accident is determining where to seek treatment for these injuries. This is when and why you should contemplate undergoing a chiropractic adjustment:
Did the car accident involve significant damage?
After a significant car accident, most people acknowledge the need to visit the hospital, and rightfully so. Seeking emergency medical care is crucial whenever there’s a head injury or potential internal bleeding.
However, what many individuals overlook post-accident is that even minor car crashes can result in soft tissue injuries. If left untreated, these injuries may escalate into chronic arthritic problems. When the vehicle fails to absorb the full impact of the collision, the occupants bear the brunt of it. Any sudden jerking of the body in response to a crash increases the risk of injury.
There is a common misconception that only high-impact collisions result in accidents. In truth, even minor fender benders can cause injuries, with over half of all whiplash injuries occurring in crashes where the vehicle sustains minimal damage. The only way to rule out injuries is by seeking medical attention.
Are you currently experiencing any discomfort?
Experiencing pain after a car accident often signals an injury. If there’s a possibility of severe or life-threatening injuries, it’s advisable to head to an emergency room for immediate evaluation.
Even in the absence of pain, consulting a Crofton chiropractor after a car accident is a prudent step. Many car accident injuries may not manifest pain or discomfort until weeks or even months later. Delaying treatment could jeopardize your insurance coverage for injuries if you haven’t sought timely medical attention. It’s recommended to be cautious and consult a car accident chiropractor within two weeks of your accident, regardless of whether the pain is immediately evident, to safeguard your health and financial well-being.
The Role of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Visiting your primary care physician or hospital is a valuable step in safeguarding your insurance rights, but it doesn’t guarantee the detection of all injuries. If the hospital rules out serious or life-threatening injuries, yet you still experience pain, consulting a chiropractor becomes the next logical move. While hospitals excel in identifying major injuries like fractures, broken bones, concussions, and other evident signs, leaving the hospital without a diagnosis of ongoing pain may warrant a second opinion.
For those involved in a car accident, it’s essential to be assessed by a doctor specializing in car accident injuries. These injuries can remain hidden, showing no immediate signs of pain or restricted movement, only to surface months or even years later. Chiropractors are specifically trained to uncover these concealed injuries. Through orthopedic and neurological tests, they can evaluate soft tissue damage, structural issues, muscle strength, range of motion, and joint and nerve function—aspects of injury that other well-intentioned medical practitioners might overlook.
Tailored Healing Plans for Car Accident Injuries
Upon identifying any injuries during the assessment, your chiropractor will devise a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and injuries. This plan may encompass a schedule of chiropractic adjustments and, in some cases, deep tissue massages or trigger point therapy.
Through these chiropractic adjustments, your chiropractor aims to restore health to your spine, surrounding muscles, and tissues. Following a car accident, issues like herniated discs, subluxations, and strained tissues may arise. A series of adjustments can effectively address these concerns, facilitating a return to full mobility and a pain-free state.
If you’ve recently experienced a car accident and are contemplating a chiropractic assessment or adjustment, reach out to Precise Chiropractic and Rehabilitation today. With years of combined experience, we specialize in treating car accident injuries and associated symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, muscle stiffness, numbness and tingling, and back pain.
