One of the most jarring and upsetting experiences we can have is being involved in a car crash. Even if it’s a minor accident, the experience can still be a stressful one. Add injuries to the experience and the accident can result in long-term effects on the victim’s life. And yes, minor fender-benders can cause serious injuries.
The most common injury in crashes is whiplash. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to consult with a chiropractor to determine if you have suffered a whiplash injury, even if you went to the emergency room after the accident.
Unfortunately, even if a car accident victim goes to the ER with minor symptoms following the incident, if they don’t have visible injuries, fractured bones, or bleeding, they will likely receive a clean bill of health from the treating physician. They may receive medication, such as muscle relaxers or pain killers, to deal with any soreness they may be having from being tossed around in the impact of the crash. But that impact can cause vertebrae in the spine to become misaligned or there can be micro-tears to muscles, two injuries that will not be picked up in the emergency room exam.
But the victim goes home, thinking they are okay, and weeks go by. Sometimes even longer. This wasted time allows scar tissue to form where the injury is, however, seeking out the help of a chiropractor right away can help avoid these painful issues. Other benefits of going to a chiropractor over a medical doctor for treatment include the following:
· Recovery time is faster: Too often, an injured victim of a car crash waits too long before they finally consult with a chiropractor. They suffer in pain, that not only affects their daily life, but also allows that scar tissue formation, causing more problems for the victim and creating a more serious health issue that often requires a longer and more difficult treatment. The earlier the treatment begins, the sooner the injury can be healed.
· When a car accident victim is in pain, a medical doctor’s treatment plan usually includes prescribing strong pain medication. The effects of these medications are often more dangerous than the injury itself. The current opioid epidemic is evidence of that. Chiropractors help patients regain their life as it was prior to the injury, without the use of dangerous narcotics.
· Just like medical doctors, a chiropractor for car accidents is recognized by health and auto insurance companies. There may be some limitations as far as how many visits are covered; however, a car accident attorney can help you navigate through this process. Many car accident victims are able to recover their medical expenses through a claim or lawsuit against the driver who caused the car accident.