Pain after a car accident can show up days, weeks, or even months after the collision. If you've been in a traffic accident recently, you may find that back pain or neck pain doesn't start right away.
In fact, this delayed pain may be something you don't connect to the accident. However, being aware of the possibility means being able to get appropriate treatment for your pain.
Chiropractic care is a valuable option for anyone after an accident. Even if you aren't experiencing pain at the time, seeing a chiropractor soon after can help ward off future pain.
Injuries After a Car Accident
Many injuries are immediately evident after a car accident. However, others won't show up right away. These are the ones you need to be wary of before they lead to other health problems.
In the days after the collision, you may notice neck pain, back pain, decreased range of motion, dizziness, headaches, vision problems, and pain in your shoulders.
These are signs that you should seek medical care to rule out a potentially serious injury, such as whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury that can cause pain for many months.
You may also have injuries to your wrists, ankles, ribs, and collarbone that aren't apparent right away. Many people also suffer injuries due to their seatbelt.
While this is something to be aware of, it's always safest to wear a seatbelt. Injuries can be much worse without it.
In any of these cases, chiropractic care provides immediate relief from pain caused by the injury. It also helps aid in recovery so that pain doesn't persist for months after the accident.
Wondering how to to find a chiropractor and what he or she can do for you? Keep reading to find out.
Chiropractic Care for Treating Pain After a Car Accident
When you're in a car accident, the impact can cause the muscles and bones in your spine to either hyperflex or hyperextend. This is one of the most common reasons you experience pain afterward.
Seeing a chiropractor can help realign your spine, a non-medication and non-invasive way to treat pain and other symptoms.
When your chiropractor aligns your spine, it takes the pressure off the nerves and muscles being affected by the impact of the collision. In most cases, you'll notice immediate pain relief.
This is due to relieving the pressure but also helps your body release feel-good hormones. This contributes to the pain relief benefits of seeing a chiropractic professional.
Chiropractic care also aids in restoring your range of motion. Stiffness is a common symptom after a car accident, especially in the back and the neck. Relief can be found as the spine is realigned and spinal adjustments are made.
Regular care by a chiropractor also helps reduce inflammation at the injury site. Inflammation is a natural response by your body to heal, but too much can lead to pain and stiffness.
Controlling scar tissue is another benefit of chiropractic care. When muscles or tendons are injured, they respond by increasing collagen production, which can cause scarring.
Scars can lead to stiffness and pain that persists for months and years after the original injury. A chiropractor can help break down this scar tissue, improving comfort levels and range of motion in the area.
Non-Invasive Care
If you want care after your accident that is non-invasive and doesn't require medication, chiropractic care is a great option. Chances are you also want to avoid surgery, which might be possible by seeing a chiropractor.
Without this type of intervention, regular appointments with a chiropractor can help realign your spine and restore your mobility. The sooner you see a professional, the lower the risk of having to undergo surgery.
When to Seek Care
Ideally, you should see a chiropractor as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you get in for an appointment, the sooner you can begin finding relief.
However, for many patients, one appointment won't be enough. You're likely to continue experiencing pain and stiffness for several weeks after the collision.
For that reason, you will want to repeat your appointment several times. Your chiropractor can help you determine a treatment plan, based on your symptoms.
Keeping up with your appointments is a valuable way to stay pain-free. It also helps prevent or diagnosed problems that arise in the future.
How to Choose a Chiropractor
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is to choose a chiropractor who has experience treating car accident victims. This requires you to go beyond a simple Google search for "chiropractor near me."
Ask for referrals from your doctor, as they may have someone in their network they trust and would recommend. You can also ask friends or family who have been in a similar situation.
You can also read reviews online to find out what other patients have to say. This can be a valuable resource for getting started looking for a chiropractor.
Check a chiropractor's credentials before making a decision. Be sure he or she has the training and licensing to safely perform the necessary procedures. If this information can't be provided, look for someone else.
Rapport is another necessary consideration. You want to feel comfortable with your chiropractor and be able to communicate well with them. If there's no rapport, treatment may not be as effective.
About Blakely Chiropractic
For over 3 decades, Blakely Chiropractic has been helping patients throughout San Diego with gentle chiropractic treatments to alleviate a variety of pain symptoms including back pain relief, neck pain relief, shoulder pain relief, sciatica, and headaches. Dr. Blakely also works closely with patients for personal injury pain relief and work injuries. We offer a free consultation to get an understanding what pain you are experiencing and will come up with a tailored treatment plan to get you back to full health!
If you’re experiencing pain from a personal injury case, please call us immediately!
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