It’s usually very difficult to accurately self-assess your condition immediately following an auto accident. Accidents frequently occur before we can even grasp what’s happening, and the results can be emotionally traumatic. That emotional shock, coupled with chemicals we release at such times, like adrenaline, conceals the pain of an injury.
That is why it’s highly recommended that you visit an emergency room as soon as you can. A comprehensive checkup, including pertinent tests like X-rays or CAT scans, may reveal injuries you didn’t know you had sustained. These ER visits are also important for documentation needed to proceed with insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
But above all else, getting to a hospital right away for an examination is critical to your long-term recovery. The pain and suffering from car accident injuries can intensify over time if not addressed early on. From nerve and muscle damage to building scar tissue, you might need to begin formulating a treatment plan right away – a treatment plan that should include a chiropractor.
How Soon After an Accident Should You See a Chiropractor?
After you’re discharged from the hospital, one of your first calls should be to a chiropractor. As stated, early identification and treatment is key in recovering. One might not normally think to call a chiropractor. However, with many injuries, it’s the difference between a small injury that brought long-term complications and a completely healed injury you can move on from.
Calling a chiropractor does not mean that you should avoid following up with your medical doctor. It simply means that you are consulting an anatomy expert with specialized knowledge of human bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
Additionally, booking that consultation as soon as possible bolsters the validity of any claims you may make. If you hold off on treatment, you could be denied compensation for your medical bills outright. This is sadly the case with many insurance claims.
Furthermore, depending on where you live, a personal injury settlement could be denied or reduced based on your failure to adequately treat an injury.
In the end, pursuing treatment from multiple health professionals immediately after the accident is a better way to secure both your long-term health and financial standing.
The Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor After an Auto Accident
When you receive an exam and any pertinent adjustments or other treatments from a licensed chiropractor, you can get the following benefits:
• Increase Range of Motion: Months from now, you don’t want to continue waking up stiff or sore. Accident victims from all backgrounds can get results that allow them to continue living their pre-accident lifestyles. Chiropractic adjustments that improve your range of motion can reduce inflammation and ensure good blood flow, which all adds up to more complete natural healing.
• Relieve Pain: In many cases, the only solution a medical doctor may offer for the neck, back, or shoulder pain is medication. This does not address the root cause of the pain. In addition, many prescription painkillers come with negative side effects and the risk of dependency. Avoid having your injury become a chronic pain condition with prompt chiropractic care.
• Reduce or Eliminate Long-Term Impacts: No matter how small the injury, all patients should be aware that not seeking treatment can lead to greater problems down the road. Reduce the risk of suffering “flare-ups” years from now by having a chiropractor assess and adjust your most minor auto accident injuries.
Specialized Care for Car Accident Injuries
The losses stemming from a car accident can be devastating but now’s your chance to mitigate the damage and enjoy optimal healing. Call today and book your first appointment for all-natural relief from pain, stiffness, and inflammation.