7 Reasons to See a Chiropractor After an Injury

Chiropractic care following an injury is one of the best ways to recover and reduce the likelihood of future mobility issues and pain.

There are many reasons to schedule an appointment if you’ve been injured. One of the most important things you can do after an injury is to seek chiropractic treatment. This form of holistic medicine has been used for centuries by those suffering from injuries, and it can do wonders for your body when done correctly. Here’s why you should see a chiropractor after an injury.

1. Diagnose Hidden Injuries

Many people think that if they don’t have any visible injuries or pain, their chiropractor can’t help them. However, this isn’t the case at all. Chiropractors are trained to look for and diagnose hidden injuries that could be causing you pain. These hidden injuries include things like ligament tears and spinal misalignments. These serious problems can affect your entire body, but they’re often overlooked because they aren’t visible to the naked eye.

2. Speed Up Recovery & Ensure Proper Healing

Patients who receive regular chiropractic care after surgery are up to two times less likely to need another surgery than patients who didn’t see a chiropractor.

This means the length of hospital stays is significantly shorter for those who received chiropractic care. Some believe chiropractic manipulation after surgery may prevent the development of adhesions.

3. Prevent Future Issues with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common problem for many people. Many treatments are available for chronic pain, but they don’t always work as expected and many people still struggle to find relief.

A chiropractor can also help prevent future issues with chronic pain. The spine and nervous system play an important role in overall health. And if your spine isn’t properly aligned, it can cause problems like migraines, back pain, muscle weakness, and more.

A chiropractor can help identify and treat spinal misalignments causing your pain, making you feel more comfortable and healthier than ever.

4. Drug-Free Pain Management & Whole Body Care

Chiropractic care is drug-free. It doesn’t involve the use of pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medications. Instead, chiropractors rely on hands-on manipulation and mobilization techniques to address various health conditions and restore optimal alignment in the musculoskeletal system. These treatments are generally considered safe and effective in the management of pain and other health issues related to the spine, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

Chiropractic care is considered a holistic approach to health and wellness because it focuses on the body as a whole and not just on isolated symptoms or conditions. Through chiropractic care, your body can function at its optimal level and experience improved healing times for many ailments.

5. Reduce Inflammation and Scarring

There is some evidence that chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and scarring. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, and scar tissue forms as part of the healing process. 

Patients who received chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain experienced significant reductions in inflammation compared to those who did not undergo chiropractic care.

6. Reduce Headaches and Back Pain

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can help reduce symptoms associated with headaches and back pain. Chiropractors can bring the spine into proper alignment to relieve pressure on the nervous system by utilizing spinal manipulation, trigger point therapy, and other hands-on techniques. This helps to reduce headaches and back pain.

7. Injury and Recovery Documentation for Insurance Claims

Working with a chiropractor after an injury creates a paper trail related to the injury and your treatment. Insurance companies and the court system can review your chiropractic records to view the medical assessment provided and determine what care was given for the injury.

Types of Injuries Chiropractors Treat 

Chiropractors are a popular option for treating injuries, as they offer various treatment options and can help you manage your pain and recover more quickly. Some of the injuries chiropractors treat include: 

• Joint dislocation
• Pulled or torn muscles and ligaments
• Herniated discs
• Spinal misalignment
• Injuries that cause back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, or Sciatica

Types of Injuries Commonly Covered by Insurance for Chiropractic Care

In many cases, insurance companies will offer coverage for chiropractic treatment. The most common instances in which insurance covers the cost of chiropractic care include:

• Personal injury
• Work-related injury
• Slip and fall accident injury
• Car accident injury
• Sports injury

Signs You Need a Chiropractor After An Injury

If you’ve recently been injured in an accident, it can be challenging to know if you need to see a chiropractor right away. There are some signs you should look out for that indicate a chiropractic visit is the order of the day. Here are just a few of them:

1. Back pain or other chronic discomforts. If your back or another part of your body has been hurting for a while, it could be a sign that something isn’t right in there. Whether you’ve been in a car crash or simply twisted your back from an awkward sleeping position, pain that sticks around for more than two weeks is not something to take lightly. 

2. Difficulty walking or moving. If you’re experiencing pain when you walk, it could mean there is a misalignment in your back or another part of your body that needs immediate care. A chiropractor can help correct the issue and make you feel like yourself again.

3. Numbness or tingling in certain parts of your body. If you’re experiencing these sensations in a specific part of your body, it could mean something is out of whack. Often these are signs of nerve irritation from misaligned vertebrae or other issues and they should be addressed immediately.

4. Headaches or dizziness. If you’ve been having chronic headaches, it could be that you need to start looking more seriously at your back. Many people with neck or back pain also get frequent headaches, which you can often resolve by seeing a chiropractor.

How Long After an Injury Should I Wait to See a Chiropractor?

The best thing to do is to contact a chiropractor and ask when treatment is appropriate.

If your injury is acute (meaning it just happened), it’s best to wait at least 48 hours before seeking chiropractic treatment. Your body needs time to heal, and your muscles need a chance to relax so that your spine's alignment can return to normal.

How an Accident Care Chiropractor Can Help You Recover From Injuries

Accident Care Chiropractic specializes in helping people who have experienced injuries in car accidents, slips and falls, and other incidents that have led to physical pain. This can involve everything from adjusting your spine and alleviating back or neck pain to treating muscle strains and ligament sprains throughout your body. These professionals can also evaluate you for bone injuries, including fractures.

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.