Chiropractic Care For Whiplash After a Car Accident

Chiropractic treatments for post-accident whiplash injuries make all the difference to your recovery.

How a Chiropractor Can Help You Recover from Whiplash After a Car Accident

One of the most common injuries in non-fatal car accidents is whiplash. Seeking immediate medical assistance after an accident can help prevent long-term complications. The go-to solution for whiplash injury is chiropractic care. Let's delve into how a chiropractor can help you recover from a car accident. 

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Auto accident injuries can range from minor to full-blown incapacitation and life-threatening bleeding. The most common auto accident injuries are whiplash, herniated discs, ligament tears, bone fractures, and joint injuries. 

Whiplash is a common post-accident neck injury. It can occur in rear-end collisions, high-speed collisions, and even low-speed collisions of 5-10 mph. In fact, slow collisions cause most whiplash cases.

Common Symptoms of Post-Accident Whiplash Injuries

Symptoms of a whiplash injury may take days or weeks to manifest, or in rare cases, appear immediately. You will likely start experiencing soreness, numbness, and a restricted range of motion in the neck. Neck pain is usually a clear symptom of post-accident whiplash. Other symptoms include:

• Vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Sleeping difficulties
• Fatigue

How Soon After a Car Accident Should You See a Chiropractor?

Calling an accident attorney after a non-fatal accident should be at the top of your post-accident to-do list. Of equal importance is booking a chiropractic appointment. As soon as you spot symptoms of whiplash, you should see a chiropractor. 

Sometimes the symptoms appear after weeks or months, and you will need more chiropractic sessions. It is advisable to wait no longer than 72 hours to see a chiropractor after the onset of symptoms. Insurance settlement may take days or weeks; therefore, book a chiropractor’s appointment as you wait. A reputable center will maintain your treatment logs, expediting your settlement process.

How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Whiplash After an Auto Accident Injury?

Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy to reduce inflammation and whiplash pain. Every whiplash case is unique, and the chiropractor will tailor an effective treatment plan for each patient. Usually, the chiropractor uses upper cervical adjustment to realign the cervical spine in the neck region to treat whiplash. You may need multiple sessions. Expect to see a resolution within six weeks. 

Why You Should Consider Chiropractic Care For Whiplash After an Auto Accident

Chiropractic care for whiplash includes adjustments to ease pain, reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and help prevent future injuries. One of the main benefits of seeing a chiropractor is pain relief, which is sometimes immediate. Here’s why you should consider chiropractic care for whiplash after a car accident:

If Left Untreated, Whiplash Injuries Can Worsen Over Time

Whiplash may cause discomfort and resolve in the short term, but leaving it untreated could develop into a far worse problem. Chronic pain, poor posture, and degenerative disc disease are some long-term complications that can develop when you ignore chiropractic care for whiplash.

Chiropractic Care Eases Symptoms and Ensures Proper Recovery

When your vertebrae slip out of position, you experience immense pain and neurological problems. You will experience pain relief and reduced inflammation after a chiropractic adjustment and spinal manipulation. Spinal adjustments for car accident victims can improve circulation and energy, contributing to a speedy and proper recovery.

Chiropractic Treatments for Car Accident Injuries Are Usually Covered by Insurance

Many insurers cover chiropractic treatment to a specific expense limit. Your health and auto insurer may reimburse you for your costs for chiropractic fees if you start whiplash treatment before they settle your claim. It is best to review your policy and check with your insurance agent to see if they cover chiropractic care.

Conclusion

Even minor impact collisions can cause whiplash. A seat belt does not restrain your neck like it does your torso, and herniated discs, joint injuries, and other effects of whiplash are common after an auto accident. Chiropractic care for whiplash provides a non-invasive, non-addictive treatment that complements other forms of medical treatment to treat whiplash.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.