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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.