In the swirl of post-accident events, many people overlook the lingering ramifications of the initial impact. Never just assume that because you feel fine today, your healing journey is complete. Injuries that resurface months or years later will be much more challenging to address.

If you’ve been in an accident—even if seemingly minor—here are 7 reasons to schedule a chiropractic appointment immediately after your crash.

1. Treat Inflammation X-Rays Miss

Why do so many car accident survivors wake up feeling sore even though x-rays appear normal? Those aches and pains are actually micro-tears in your ligaments and muscles that cannot be diagnosed by an x-ray. Rather than reach for over-the-counter pain meds, chiropractic care uses spinal manipulations to realign your spinal column and release a natural anti-inflammatory substance, which also mitigates soreness in your body.

2. Uncover Invisible Injuries

Whiplash, an injury caused by a severe jerk to the head, is often marked by symptoms including headache, nausea, soreness, dizziness, or pain in the neck and upper back.  It’s surprising for many people to learn it can take many hours or even days for these symptoms to emerge. The best course of action is to visit a chiropractor as soon as possible to make sure there aren’t lingering issues that might suddenly flare-up.

3. Greatly Reduce Stiffness and Discomfort

A stiff body after a car accident is often the result of scar tissue in the muscles. While many doctors simply advise patients to wait and let the scar tissue work itself out, non-invasive chiropractic techniques can quickly break up this scar tissue and promote quick healing.

4. Skip The Side Effects of Drugs

Too often, patients intend to take painkillers for a short period following their car accident, then realize they’ve become dependent or addicted to the medication. Chiropractic care provides pain relief without the risks and side effects of these drugs.

5. Jumpstart Your Body’s Own Healing Process

If you suffer a neck or back injury in a car accident, the inflammation that develops can lead to even more problems. Inflammation bogs down the healing process slowing blood and nutrients from reaching key areas of your body. Chiropractic adjustments mobilize your spine and restore your body’s proper range of motion, enabling your body to heal much more quickly.

6. Prevent Chronic and Painful Conditions From Developing

Post-accident chiropractic care may prevent minor injuries from growing into serious, long-term problems. When you see a chiropractor immediately after being involved in a car accident — even a seemingly-minor one — you may be preventing chronic and painful conditions from developing.

7. Document Your Injuries For Legal Claims

If you weren’t at fault in your car accident, you may consider taking legal action. When you seek out chiropractic care post-accident, you’ll be creating a record that may be submitted to your attorney or insurance company to fully document the extent of your injuries.

Better Safe than Sorry

When you’re involved in an accident, scheduling a chiropractic exam should be one of your follow-up activities. While you may feel fine initially, symptoms may develop in the days to come.  Don’t take risks-- a chiropractic exam will uncover hidden injuries, provide appropriate treatments, and ensure your body is healed naturally.

Make an appointment with us online or by calling our office at (814) 835-5054 to learn how we can create your customized treatment plan to jumpstart your healing process.

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional. For diagnosis and treatment of your specific condition, schedule an appointment with our office.