Insight Neuro Chiropractic Center – A car accident is one of the most overwhelming and stressful events anyone can go through. Not only are you facing costly damage to your vehicle and frustration dealing with insurance companies, but you’re also likely experiencing injuries that are causing you serious pain and untold emotional and mental trauma. Even a minor collision can result in serious back and neck injuries and a long recovery process without the right treatment. Although you should always seek immediate emergency medical care after a car accident, many people do not realize that chiropractic care can also be essential to your recovery. From improving the healing process for common injuries like neck and body pain to identifying undiagnosed injuries before they become problematic, here are five reasons a visit to the chiropractor should be at the top of your priority list after a car accident.

Injuries Are Not Always Obvious

After a car accident, it is not uncommon to experience no visible injuries and decline medical care because you feel perfectly fine. This is because your body has likely experienced a surge of adrenaline immediately following the car accident that is impeding your ability to feel pain. In some cases, it may take weeks before you start noticing symptoms of injuries like whiplash. But even if you are not feeling pain right away, you may benefit from a chiropractic consultation and adjustments. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including x-rays, to identify undiagnosed injuries you may be experiencing and can begin treatment immediately to prevent pain or further injuries that could worsen over time.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response to physical trauma and is one of the most likely reasons people will experience pain after a car accident. It is normal to have a small amount of inflammation after a collision. This is a positive indicator that your body is starting to heal. However, if you are experiencing itchy, swollen skin, it could be a sign that excess fluid is trapped in your body. Micro-tears in ligaments and muscles can also cause severe inflammation and pain, even if you do not have any visible injuries and x-rays appear normal. A chiropractor will work to identify the underlying causes of your inflammation and will use spinal manipulations to realign the spinal cord so the body can begin healing more efficiently and with less pain.

Improve Mobility

Car accidents impact the entire body. After an accident, people typically experience various levels of stiffness, soreness, discomfort, and injuries that can limit range of motion and make it difficult to move freely with no pain. Without the proper care, chronic pain can lead to further degenerative conditions that can affect your health and limit your work and participation in daily activities. A chiropractor will help identify what is causing your mobility issues and resolve any misalignments in the spine, joints, and muscles. They will also work to stabilize the spine and vertebrae to reduce any stress that is causing pain while stimulating healing.

Prevent Future Pain

People who have been involved in a car accident often deal with long-term chronic pain. This is usually the result of an injury that went untreated and did not heal properly. For example, complications from whiplash can last for years in patients who do not receive proper care immediately following the injury. Scar tissue may also develop after injuries, leading to long-term pain, soreness, and loss of flexibility. A chiropractor can help you identify and treat injuries while symptoms are still minor and prevent the development of further pain in the future.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

If you have experienced an injury, it is not uncommon to believe that the only solution is surgery. However, many people are able avoid surgical intervention through chiropractic care when their injuries are addressed early. Chiropractors specialize in non-invasive treatment options like manual therapy that aligns the spine and joints while addressing the underlying causes of injuries. Chiropractic care can also help you avoid medications that mask pain instead of treating symptoms and lead to other issues like addiction and dependency.

If you are involved in a car accident, even one that is minor, a visit to the chiropractor is not something most people consider. But in many cases, chiropractic care after an accident is one of the best ways to treat injuries that are not always obvious, avoid surgery or medications, and reduce the risk of long-term pain. To learn more about our services at the Insight Neuro Chiropractic Center and to schedule an appointment with our specialists, contact us today.

FAQ

Q: How soon should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?

A: If you are involved in a car accident, it is always important to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. However, if you are still experiencing neck, back, or body pain, chiropractic care is recommended within 72 hours of the accident.

Q: Can chiropractic care help a child recover from a car accident?

A: Yes. Children can also benefit from chiropractic care after a car accident. A chiropractor uses non-invasive methods to diagnose and treat injuries and ensure a child does not experience long-term complications.

Q: How long should I see a chiropractor after a car accident? 

A: The severity of your injuries will determine how long you should see a chiropractor after a car accident. It is not uncommon to see a chiropractor more frequently immediately following your injury. Minor injuries may be resolved in only a few appointments, while other injuries require regular treatments for a few months or longer.