Even minor car accidents can lead to serious injuries. Anyone involved in the accident will want to get the right help as soon as possible so they can start recovering from minor and major injuries they may have suffered. After an accident, it may be a good idea to see a chiropractor for help. Though life-threatening injuries will be treated on the scene and in the emergency room, a chiropractor can help with many of the other injuries patients may have following an accident.
What Are Signs That I’m Injured?
It may not be apparent right after the accident that medical help is necessary. However, there are some signs that people may have after a car accident that are an indication help from a chiropractor is needed. If there is any discomfort after the accident that doesn’t dissipate on its own, if the person suffers from repeat headaches following the accident, or if they feel dizzy, it may time to speak with on our chiropractors to find out what can be done to help them recover. Any pain or other issues, especially if they don’t go away in a few days or continue to get worse, will warrant at least a consultation with a chiropractor to learn more about how they can help.
How Quickly Should I See a Chiropractor?
Many people wait as long as possible, sometimes until they receive a settlement for the accident, to seek help. This is not a good idea. It’s far better to go to a chiropractor right away, even if there isn’t pain yet, and have the chiropractor determine if anything is wrong and, if so, what the correct treatment plan will be. Even if someone is feeling okay immediately after the accident, it’s possible that their adrenaline is masking their pain, so they won’t realize something is wrong for a few days. The faster they see a chiropractor, the faster they’ll begin receiving the right care for their injuries, and the faster they’ll be able to heal.
How Long Is Recovery With a Chiropractor?
The amount of time someone will need to see a chiropractor after an accident can vary based on the type of injuries, their severity, and how well they’re responding to the treatment. It can also depend on the person’s age and health before the accident and numerous other factors. Those who see a chiropractor following a car accident can generally expect to receive a treatment plan that lasts for between six and 18 months. The total time needed can be adjusted as progress is made, depending on how quickly the person makes progress in their treatment.
How Do Injuries Go Unnoticed?
As mentioned the adrenaline someone feels immediately following a car accident can mask how serious their injuries really are. In fact, many people don’t realize they’re injured until a few days after the accident, especially if they do not have any visible signs of serious injuries. When the person visits a chiropractor, diagnostic tests can be done to determine what, if any, hidden issues are present. If any are found, treatment can begin immediately, instead of waiting for the person to start feeling the pain.
How Does a Treatment Plan Work?
A chiropractor will work with their patient to develop the correct treatment plan. Each person is unique, so every treatment plan will differ. Those who have minor back pain or other similar issues, for example, may have a shorter treatment plan compared to those who suffered from severe whiplash during the car accident. The chiropractor uses the patient’s medical history, x-rays, physical exam results, and more to determine the correct treatment plan, so each patient has one that will work well for them.
What Is Whiplash?
One of the most common injuries in a car accident is whiplash, and it can happen even at low speeds. Whiplash is an injury caused by the movement of the neck during a car accident and may not be noticeable for the first day or two. After that, however, they may start feeling pain and it can continue to get worse without treatment. Signs of whiplash can include pain in the neck, arm, shoulder, or back, blurry vision, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and headaches. Those who have any of these signs following a car accident should visit a chiropractor quickly.
Can I Get Pain Relief Without Medications?
Pain medications are useful in many situations, but those who want to avoid prescription drugs or who are worried about the side effects of pain medications may want to seek alternative care. This doesn’t mean looking for substandard care. With chiropractic treatments, it is possible for patients to get the help they need without relying on pain medications. For many people, this is a better option, as they don’t have to worry about the potential for addiction or other issues that can be caused by short or long-term use of pain medications.
How Can My Treatment Plan Change?
The treatment plan is never finalized at the patient’s first visit. Once the chiropractor has created a treatment plan, they will work with the patient to follow it. After the first month or two, the chiropractor will take a look at how far the recovery has come along with how the patient feels. If the patient is recovering slower or faster than expected, the treatment plan can be adjusted. This way, the patient will continue to receive the appropriate care for their injuries and will know they’re going to get all of the help they need to fully recover from the car accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries that go undetected at the scene of the accident. When the head is forced to move in an unexpected way as rapidly as it does in an accident, it can cause dislocations in the upper spine as well as tears in the muscles surrounding the upper spine. Right after the accident, this may not be noticeable. Within a day or two, however, the person may start feeling pain in their neck or having trouble turning to see. It’s imperative to seek medical attention fast after whiplash occurs to prevent the injuries and pain from becoming permanent.
Back and Neck Pain
The way the back and neck move in a car accident can cause the spine to move out of alignment, which can lead to severe pain. This type of injury is common and something that anyone in a car accident should look out for. The adrenaline that appears after a car accident can mask the back or neck pain for a few days, but once it does appear, it can be severe. Without proper treatment, it is possible for the pain to turn into a chronic and difficult to treat injury.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are often easy to ignore right after the accident occurs, especially if they’re minor or they’re not painful yet. However, using the affected arm or leg could lead to more severe injuries, including permanent disabilities if the injury is ignored long enough and becomes permanent. Rest, ice, and support can help strains and sprains heal faster, so the injured person can get back to normal as soon as possible. If the pain is severe, however, it is a good idea to get medical help.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can be incredibly serious. If someone suspects they have a head injury after a car accident, it’s imperative they seek emergency medical care immediately. It’s a good idea to go in an ambulance to the emergency room with this type of injury because of the long-term and serious injuries that could occur. Concussions, brain injuries, and other issues are common when the head is hit hard enough, and these issues can cause lasting damage. By seeking emergency help and getting the right care, it’s possible to minimize the chance of being permanently injured.
Spinal Cord Injuries
With the way the spine moves in a car accident, it’s no surprise that it can move out of alignment or otherwise be injured. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can leave someone unable to move the parts of the body below where the injury occurred. For serious spinal cord injuries, emergency medical care is needed. When there is pain, but not a risk of becoming paralyzed, a chiropractor can help realign the spine and provide the pain relief needed.
Accident Care Chiropractic | Hablamos Español
Located in: NE Portland, SE Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Salem, South Salem, Keizer, Clackamas, Woodburn, McMinnville, Vancouver, Hazel Dell, East Vancouver.
We Specialize in Car Accident Treatment & Recovery
