Car accidents are a particularly difficult time, especially if you’ve sustained an injury. Many victims realize when they need to seek medical assistance, but what about the use of a chiropractor? Certain injuries that are not immediately life-threatening can benefit greatly from the help of a Chiropractor. With the proper knowledge, victims can seek out these healthcare professionals to promote ultimate pain relief and aid in healing of injuries
Why Choose a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are trained, skilled professionals that can help with injuries resulting from a car accident. When these injuries occur, they can keep pain from developing further as well as start the healing process. A chiropractor will complete an exam for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Chiropractors can help with:
· Pain – Heal injuries much faster than they would on their own and without taking prescription medication.
· Mobility – Regular adjustments mobilize the spine, restoring it to its natural place so it can begin to heal back to its normal function.
· Overall healing – Help avoid long-term damage and chronic pain, treating the injury before it becomes a bigger problem.
Adjustments and other chiropractic methods are safe, non-invasive treatments for pain from car accidents. They can eliminate the need for surgery before it ever occurs. They also help treat the cause of your pain, not its symptoms. Medication can help with pain, but it’s not a good option for long-term management. On the other hand, chiropractors use natural methods to remedy pain, like exercise or physical therapy.
What Are Common Injuries a Chiropractor Can Help With?
A chiropractor can help with a multitude of injuries from accidents, including but not limited to the following:
· Whiplash
· Back pain, including lower
· Neck pain
· Shoulder pain
· Torn rotator cuffs
· Knee Pain
· Soft tissue damage
Seek Help Immediately
The best answer to the question “How soon should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?” is immediately. Victims with more serious injuries, such as broken bones or brain injuries should go to the emergency room immediately, likely with the help of an ambulance.
Medically speaking, the best reason to see a chiropractor immediately is to address injuries, as treatment should begin as soon as possible. They will evaluate any pain you have and then document it. Lack of symptoms don’t necessarily indicate the lack of an injury. Symptoms can appear later down the road, some time after you sustained the initial damage.
From the standpoint of your insurance provider, it’s important to see a chiropractor right away after a car accident to give credit to your case. If you wait longer than three days to seek help, a company could drastically reduce the value of your case. They may argue that if the injury were serious, you would have sought treatment immediately. Depending on the length of time you wait to see a chiropractor, your insurance may decide not to compensate you at all.
The Initial Exam
After you’ve been injured in a car accident, a chiropractor should first draw up a complete health history for you. Next, they will begin a thorough exam to better assess any injuries at hand. They will want to test your reflexes and may ask you to bend in certain positions or areas. Any other neurological or orthopedic testing will occur at this time. Some patients may require X-rays or other screenings as an additional step. The chiropractor will then review his or her reports and findings, and relay them to you in a way that is easy to understand. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, as this is the ideal time to do it.
Finding Relief
The most common misconception that people have regarding chiropractors is that one adjustment is all it takes for relief. While this may be the case for some patients after an accident, it’s usually only temporary. It’s also normal as well as natural to not experience complete pain relief at your first adjustment. Recovery can depend on many factors, including:
· Age
· Weight
· Existing medical conditions
· Diet
· Fitness
· Lifestyle
· Mental health issues, including excess stress
Who to Turn to
The chiropractor of your choosing should set up a specific plan with recommendations tailored to you and your individual case. It’s important to choose a chiropractor you are comfortable with and trust with your injuries. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in Texas, contact Absolute Life Wellness Center today to help with a variety of methods for pain management and healing. We are happy to help no matter the stage of recovery.
