When to See a Chiropractor: Why the First 72 Hours after an Accident Are Critical
Do You Know When to See a Chiropractor after a Car Accident?
When you get in an accident, the first 72 hours are critical. Knowing when to see a chiropractor prevents further injury and ensures your claims get paid.
You never know when life is going to change in an instant. You can be driving down the road, and the next thing you know, you've been rear-ended. Everyone was able to walk away, but now that the shock has worn off, you're feeling sore and aren't sure what to do about it.
There are over seven million passenger vehicles and five million small trucks involved in accidents every year in the U.S.
It's important to know when to see a chiropractor instead of going through the hassle of doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and more.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about when to see a chiropractor after an accident and why it's so important to go without delay.
Accidents Big and Small May Cause Severe Injuries
You may think it was just a little fender bender and that you're fine, but it's not uncommon for problems to arise days or even weeks after an injury.
There are some things you should do after any car accident:
Ensure Safety
When you've had an accident, the first thing to do is to ensure that everyone is safe and that there are no serious injuries.
Make sure that the vehicles involved are moved out of harm's way or clearly marked so no other cars end up crashing into them.
Call 911
Call 911 immediately to get first responders to the scene.
You will find it helpful to have an accident report if there are any questions from the insurance companies involved in the claims for damages.
Exchange Information and Photos
Try to obtain pertinent information from everyone involved in the accident as well as contact details for any witnesses. Some of the information you'll need includes:
license plate information and make and model of vehicles
contact information for drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses
name, badge number, and contact information of first responding officers
insurance information for the other driver
Take photos that show the position of cars, any signs of damage, and other details you want to document for insurance purposes.
Call Your Insurance Provider, Chiropractor, and Doctor
After an accident, you'll need to file an insurance claim. Also, it's important that you take care of any medical concerns immediately. Seeing a chiropractor can identify and treat damage or injury.
Many people think that they should only see a doctor if they're feeling pain or discomfort, but they often end up regretting that decision.
No or Little Pain
Seeing a chiropractor within the first 72 hours after an accident enables you to get a medical opinion to ensure there's no damage done.
You probably don't want to spend hours in the emergency department or to get sick from being exposed to germs at the walk-in clinic.
A chiropractor can get you in relatively quickly, perform an assessment, make adjustments, and provide treatment before you even know there's an issue.
Back or Neck Pain
If you're experiencing back or neck pain immediately following an accident, it's a good idea to see a chiropractor as soon as possible. They will be able to figure out what's going on and offer solutions.
Avoid Doing More Damage
Another reason to see a chiropractor as soon as you can is to avoid causing more damage or injury to the affected area. If you're out of alignment or have a damaged disc, you don't want to make it worse.
Seeing a chiropractor can realign everything and have your back and neck in optimal health quickly. It may also help reduce the recovery time and any discomfort you may feel.
Chiropractors are highly trained medical professionals who can identify and diagnose more than just issues with the spine. They can help you find the cause of headaches, numbness, tingling, pain, and discomfort.
Muscles Aches and Pains
If you're in pain because of poor alignment or other issues after a car accident and don't see a chiropractor right away, you run the risk of getting sore muscles as well.
This may not seem like a big issue, but it can limit your range of motion and keep you from resuming your activities. Plus, waiting for too long may worsen your symptoms.
Avoid the Need for Medication
The more quickly you identify a medical issue and deal with it, the easier it is to rectify it. Chiropractors can offer solutions that don't require heavy narcotics or pain medications. These drugs may be harmful to your liver, cause addiction, or carry serious side effects.
Insurance Purposes
Not only is it important to see a chiropractor quickly for your physical health, but it can help protect your wallet too. Insurance companies may refuse to pay the treatment costs if you wait too long.
You need to have an assessment and get the necessary medical forms completed as quickly as possible. A chiropractor can help with this process without the hassle of trying to get hospital records or make several appointments at a doctor's office to proof of your injuries.
When to See a Chiropractor
It's important to see your chiropractor within 72 hours of an accident. However, there are other instances when you may need to consult one.
They can help with more than just acute injuries. A chiropractor can help with everything from ear and sinus infections to frozen shoulder and back pain.
Any pain in your neck, shoulders, lower back, or extremities can usually benefit greatly from a visit to the chiropractor.
Get Adequate Treatment When You Need It the Most
Now that you know when to see a chiropractor after a car accident, search for one in your area. You'll have peace of mind knowing that you receive appropriate treatment when you need it the most.
Today is the perfect time to get an assessment from a highly trained medical professional. Set up an appointment to see how we can help!
