When you are involved in a car accident, it is always recommended that you get immediate medical attention to ensure that you have not sustained any injuries such as broken bones or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Because adrenalin is rushing through your body after a serious accident, your body can sometimes fool you into thinking that you have escaped unscathed when you have been hurt. Many people have left the accident scene believing they do not need medical attention and even refusing the care of responding EMTs.
Unfortunately, not obtaining immediate medical care after a car accident can delay healing and result in more costly medical care. Some symptoms don’t manifest for hours, days, or even weeks, but addressing any injury as soon as possible is optimum. So, the big question is – how soon should I schedule my chiropractic visit?
When you are involved in a car accident, seek the assistance of a chiropractor right away, ideally within 72 hours of the accident. Even if the medical doctors assured you that you have no broken bones and sent you home, your body suffered trauma, which can result in pain, swelling, and inflammation long-term. Whiplash is the most common injury chiropractors treat after their patient’s car accidents.
Medically and Financially Speaking
It is possible to injure your neck or back and experience very little initial pain. However, if your body has received a severe jolt or shaking, the unseen damage must be addressed. Sometimes, these “silent injuries” can cause extreme pain months or years later. Chiropractors use gentle, holistic, and non-surgical methods to restore proper alignment and alleviate pain, discomfort, and swelling. Even if you aren’t feeling pain, they will ensure your spine is in alignment and provide the restorative care you need.
Even if you aren’t feeling pain, a doctor or chiropractor must examine you within three days of the accident for insurance purposes. Car insurance companies will evaluate your claim and often significantly reduce the value of your case if they determine that you were not seen promptly by a medical professional. In other words, they will assert that your injuries could not have been that serious if you did not see a doctor. They may try to say your current pain is, therefore, not related to the accident.
The insurance provider may not adequately cover your medical expenses, depending on how long you wait to seek treatment. While your health is most important, there are financial reasons to get checked out as soon as possible.
Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
There are a wide variety of injuries that victims experience when they are involved in a car accident. The severity of the crash has a significant impact on the extent of individual injuries, but even minor car accidents can cause damage to the body.
Generally speaking, three factors play into injuries and damage caused by car accidents.
- Type of accident (i.e., rear-end collision, T-bone)
- Speed of the involved vehicles
- Seat belt use
Any type of force that happens unexpectedly can cause an adverse reaction in the body. As stated, whiplash is the most common injury after car accidents. Even in minor rear-end collisions, if the driver cannot prepare for the impact, the neck will snap forward, violently stop, and fling backward, causing whiplash.
Here are the symptoms you should look out for :
- Neck or back pain, neck stiffness
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder or arm pain
Other common injuries in car collisions include:
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Bruises and lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Call Your Chiropractor Immediately
If you have been in a car accident, call your chiropractor immediately. A chiropractor will provide holistic treatment without using drugs or surgical intervention and help heal and restore your body naturally.
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota-based chiropractor who combines traditional adjustments and innovative technologies to provide state-of-the-art treatment.
