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After an accident, emotions and your adrenaline are running high, which can make it easy to ignore the symptoms of a car accident injury. As a result, some people tend to leave the scene of an accident thinking they do not need any medical attention right away. However, failing to see a doctor after a wreck, especially when you’re in pain, can be costly in the end. So the question is, when should you visit a chiropractic physician?
Some injuries, like a broken bone or airbag burns, are easy to spot. However, other injuries, such as whiplash and herniated discs, are not always noticeable until the aches and pains reveal themselves. A concussion, a common auto accident injury, is not always apparent as most people believe you have to lose consciousness, but that is not always true.
After an accident, you should always seek out treatment from a car accident chiropractor right away. If you suffered serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma, you should go to a hospital after a wreck for immediate emergency medical attention.
One of the most common injuries reported from car accidents is whiplash. While this varies in degree and treatment required, whiplash is extremely common because of the body’s natural reaction to being jerked in an uncomfortable position. Essentially, whiplash occurs when the body is whipped back and then forward beyond its normal limits, developing micro-tears in the surrounding ligaments. Symptoms from whiplash can include:
If you believe you may be suffering with some degree of whiplash, seeking treatment is essential so that pain does not worsen. Once whiplash begins to heal, it can develop scar tissue. If the spine is not carefully looked after and aligned so that full range of motion returns before scarring sets in, spinal degeneration can occur.
How soon should you visit a chiropractor? As soon as possible. Pain after a car accident is a good indication that you suffered an injury. This can include pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and back. Stiffness, dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision can also be signs of a serious, but not life-threatening, injury after a car crash.
You want to get your injuries documented right away after a crash, whether they are serious or not. Florida law stipulates that you only have 14 days to have any auto accident injuries documented in order to be eligible for up to $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance benefits.
If you suffered extensive injuries and go to a hospital, your injuries are documented. However, if you forego the emergency medical treatment, you should contact a ChiroCare of Florida doctor immediately to schedule a chiropractic consultation. An experienced chiropractic physician can complete an examination and request imaging tests to determine the extent of your injuries. Chiropractors are trained to detect soft tissue damage, muscle weakness, loss of range of motion, and damage to the joints. Whether it’s whiplash, a herniated disc, muscular bruising, or other injuries, the sooner you receive treatment, the better.
If you visited a hospital and were cleared, but are still experiencing pain, scheduling a chiropractic consultation should be your next step.
Chiropractors are specifically trained to assist with victims of car injuries in order to help them heal faster and refrain from developing further pain. Specifically, a chiropractor will work with you to target the source of your pain, and, through spinal manipulations, will help you:
Ignoring the pain associated with a car accident can lead to long-term damage. If you wait too long to get treatment for injuries – serious or not – non-invasive treatments, such as chiropractic care, may be ineffective.
We’re here to help, with 11 convenient office locations throughout South Florida. Contact a ChiroCare of Florida physician for a consultation now – call 1-877-DRRIGHT.
