We all know it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to staying healthy. But let’s face it, life can throw some curveballs, like car accidents, that you just can’t see coming, no matter how cautious you are. If you ever get caught up in a situation like this, the game plan changes to spotting any injuries fast and making sure they’re treated properly to dodge any lasting damage.
The tricky part? Sometimes, you won’t even feel the effects of a crash right away, which is why figuring out when to get a pro to check you out is key. This piece is all about why hitting up a chiropractor should be on your radar after a car accident. We’ll dive into the signs that signal it’s time to see one and chat about how getting in early can make a whole world of difference in healing up right.
Immediate Post-Accident Care
When do you go to a chiropractor, and when do you seek emergency care? Proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for life-threatening situations that involve severe blood loss, head trauma, difficulty breathing, and so on. Abdominal pain may indicate internal injuries and needs to be assessed in the emergency room.
Chiropractic care may be needed for muscle and joint pain, whiplash, and soft tissue injuries like sprains. You may feel fine at the moment but later experience delayed-onset symptoms. Studies show that delayed treatment may lower the chances of improvement.
What Are Delayed-Onset Symptoms & Their Impact?
The following are symptoms that you may manifest days or weeks after a car accident:
- Headache: Headaches can come from head trauma and may be caused by a whiplash injury, a concussion, or a traumatic brain injury. These can eventually get worse if left unchecked.
- Abdominal Pain: The seatbelt can compress the stomach and cause internal injuries that may be life-threatening if not treated.
- Neck and Back Pain: Stiffness and tenderness can limit neck and back movement. A sudden impact in a vehicular collision applies pressure to the spine, which can cause herniated discs, spinal cord injury, or a sprain.
Numbness or tingling may also present later on, caused by a pinched nerve resulting from the accident.
Furthermore, data revealed that the best improvement was observed in those who received treatment within one week of their accident. Experts refer to this period as the “golden week.” Any inflammation that is not addressed during this time will result in adhesions and scarring, making it more difficult to manage in the future. So, it is highly recommended that you see a chiropractor for an assessment immediately after a vehicular accident.
On that note, dealing with the aftermath of a fender-bender can be exhausting and confusing. You must take care of your well-being and let a skilled injury lawyer handle your auto accident claim.
Chiropractic Techniques For Auto Accident Injuries
Chiropractic care is personalized, and your treatment may differ completely from someone else’s. However, the following are some of the common chiropractic techniques that you may encounter:
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Spinal Adjustments
These are the common techniques used by chiropractors, and if you enjoy watching those chiropractic YouTube videos, you’ve likely seen some of these manipulations. This is where they realign your vertebrae using controlled force. This helps improve spinal function, thus alleviating pain and improving mobility.
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Soft Tissue Therapy
Also known as Myofascial Release, chiropractors apply pressure to release tension in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This also helps enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.
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Instrument-Assisted Adjustments
Handheld specialized tools are used to target and apply pressure to specific areas. These instruments are used alone or together with manual adjustments. Some people who are apprehensive about the traditional adjustment process are more at ease with the quiet and less invasive use of tools.
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Flexion-Distraction Technique
This technique involves gentle spine stretching that helps relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. It also improves range of motion and posture and may help resolve herniated discs.
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Trigger Point Therapy
Have you ever felt those painful and tight knots in your muscles? A chiropractor targets these trigger points to relieve tension and reduce pain, helping restore normal muscle function.
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Electrical Stimulation
Your treatment plan may also include electrotherapy. A mild current is used to help reduce inflammation and facilitate tissue healing. Don’t worry; these currents are perfectly safe.
This is not a comprehensive list of chiropractic techniques, but they are some of the most common. Your chiropractor will likely apply them when you go in for treatment after getting into an auto accident.
Consulting A Chiropractor After A Car Accident
If you have been in a vehicular accident, consult a chiropractor immediately after the incident, even if you are not feeling any symptoms. Complications may appear later, and it may be too late to correct. During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will assess your condition and discuss the accident and any symptoms.
They will also carry out a comprehensive physical examination that includes range-of-motion tests and neurological assessments. You need to be open and describe any symptoms you are experiencing as accurately as possible. Specify the type of pain and discomfort and the affected areas.
Based on your discussion and the chiropractor’s physical assessment of you, they will then proceed to detail their treatment recommendations. This is when you will be given more information on your personalized treatment plan and the chiropractic techniques to be used. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs.
Along with your treatment plan, you will receive guidance on any necessary lifestyle changes, self-care routines, and at-home exercises to help with a speedy recovery. Consulting an experienced chiropractor immediately after your car accident will help prevent long-term issues.
Take Action For Your Health
Getting checked out by a chiropractor right after being in a car crash is super important if you want to dodge those long-term health problems down the road. See a chiropractor ASAP so you don’t miss any sneaky injuries and stop them from getting worse over time. You will receive adjustments and treatments tailored just for you, which can really help ease the pain, make moving around easier, and speed up your recovery. While you’re focusing on getting better, leave the car accident claim to a personal injury lawyer. They’ll make sure you get the compensation you’re owed. So, remember to put your health first and take the necessary steps to look after yourself after an accident.
