Millions of auto accidents occur every year. Though there is no way of knowing how many total collisions occur, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 9.7 million vehicles were involved in police-reported accidents during 2012 alone. Though most collisions are non-fatal, even the slightest fender benders can cause injury. One of the most important steps you can take after an accident is visiting your chiropractor for complete evaluation. Even the slightest fender-benders can cause subluxations and underlying injury that may progress to pain and other complications if not treated right away.
If you found yourself in a crash, would you know what to do in the moments immediately after impact? The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation around you. If possible, exit your vehicle to a safe location away from the road. If you or someone else involved in the collision is injured, call 9-1-1; otherwise, call the police. If your vehicle is not drivable, you may need to call a wrecker service to remove it from the roadway. If the collision was severe, you may need to visit a local hospital for medical evaluation and to ensure you have not suffered any life-threatening injuries. Then, contact your lawyer and insurance company to begin working through the legalities and financial circumstances surrounding the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not hurting. Why should I visit a chiropractor after an auto accident?
Not all injuries cause pain, soreness or muscle stiffness – at least not right away. Often it can take many days, weeks or even months for symptoms to appear, which may worsen over time. Auto accident injuries are easier to treat when they are new before scar tissue has a chance to develop. Chiropractors can pinpoint underlying injuries in an accident patient and begin treatment to prevent future complications.
What types of symptoms might indicate an injury after a collision?
Though not all injuries are symptomatic right away, many do cause obvious symptoms in the hours and days after an accident. Signs of a possible injury include:
- Muscle stiffness
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Reduced Range of Motion
- Arm, Shoulder or Knee Pain
- Dizziness
- Vision Changes
How can a chiropractor treat auto accident injuries?
Chiropractors utilize various non-invasive techniques to realign the spine and joints into their ideal position. Over time, treatments can eliminate pain, reduce inflammation and empower the body to heal itself. Chiropractic focuses on treating the source of pain, rather than just the symptoms. Many patients who seek chiropractic help are able to spare themselves years of future pain and limitation simply by getting treatment for auto accident injuries as early as possible.