After a car accident, both drivers and passengers can get seriously injured. In the days, weeks, months, and even years that follow, the impact of the car crash can start to rise to the surface. In a car collision, the most frequently seen injuries are caused to the musculoskeletal system, such as whiplash, back pain, dislocated shoulder, and misaligned vertebrae.
It is important to see a chiropractor as soon as possible after the accident, to ensure that you get medical coverage for injuries. If you close your claim too soon without getting proper medical treatment, you may end up having to pay out of your own pocket for chiropractic care.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor
A prompt visit to your local chiropractor post-collision can help prevent future complications and chronic conditions from developing. Upon your first visit, a chiropractor will examine you for injury and create a treatment plan based on those findings. Chances are, your chiropractor will recommend treatments such as spinal adjustments, massage, heat therapy, ultrasound therapy, and gentle exercises/stretching. Those who are interested in a non-invasive way to treat their injuries are likely to thank themselves later on for having sought a chiropractor.
Here are a list of potential benefits of receiving chiropractic care about a car crash:
- Reduction of pain and other symptoms
- Promotion of natural healing
- Restoring mobility by correcting misalignments
- Preventing long-term, chronic conditions
- Loosening tight muscles that may have contracted in response to the collision
- Decreasing inflammation due to subluxation
- Strengthening the immune system
- Calming a hyperactive mind as a result of stress
- Increasing energy
- Improving quality of sleep
How Spinal Adjustments Work
Spinal adjustments should only be performed by a reputable chiropractor. This treatment involves a chiropractor using either their hands or a small tool to apply sudden force to a spinal joint. In this way, the vertebrae are gently coaxed back into placement, reducing symptoms associated with its displacement (such as inflammation, pain, and discomfort). During the treatment, a chiropractor will have you faced down lying on a padded table. When force is applied to a certain area on your back, you may hear cracking or popping sounds. These are completely normal and are often heard during adjustments. This sound is air pockets being released that have built up between joints.
Be sure to inform your chiropractor if you are dealing with other injuries due to the car accident, such as physical wounds or broken bones, so that area can be avoided during the adjustment. After the session, you can expect to feel mild soreness for a day or two. Most patients feel substantial relief of tension after the appointment.
Using Chiropractic Treatment as Preventative Care
After you have healed from your car accident injuries, it can be beneficial to see a chiropractor routinely for physical therapy in Edison, NJ as preventative care. If you are getting minor misalignments of your musculoskeletal system corrected on a regular basis, it can help prevent the body from having worse issues in the future.
Thanks to Northeast Spine & Wellness Center for their insight into chiropractic care and treatment for car accident injuries.