For How Long Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident Injury?

Your condition’s severity will determine how long you should see a chiropractor after a car accident injury. You may be able to resolve your ailment within your first few appointments. In other cases, you may need to see a chiropractor regularly for a few months. By speaking with a healthcare professional, you can get more information regarding your diagnosis, prognosis, and expected recovery time.

A Chiropractor’s Goal Is to Help You Recover

When you visit a chiropractor, they will first conduct a physical examination. This may include palpating problem areas and performing imaging scans. They will also record your medical history. Many people hear the term “chiropractor” and think that these professionals only focus on the neck, back, and spine. This is simply not the case. Cleveland Clinic reminds us that chiropractors can also treat one’s shoulders, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, pelvis, and jaw.

As noted, your treatment options will rest on the nature of your impairment. For instance, if you are struggling with back pain, you may benefit from spinal manipulation. By massaging the problem area, stretching the back muscles, and relieving joint pressure, a chiropractor seeks to improve your range of motion and alleviate pain.

While visiting a chiropractor for the first time may seem intimidating, you do not need to worry. Chiropractic care seeks to use the body’s natural healing abilities to improve patients’ quality of life. By using noninvasive procedures, you may be able to find relief from your car accident injuries.

Methods That Could Help Your Condition

Without evaluating your condition, it is impossible to determine what methods could help you.

However, you may be able to benefit from one or more of the following procedures:

Soft-Tissue Therapy

If you are experiencing muscle pain, it may be the result of sprains or strains. Rather than prescribe pain medication, which comes with a risk of dependency, your chiropractor may employ a soft-tissue massage. This would involve gently massaging the connective tissues in certain areas of the body. Your chiropractor may also stretch the problem area to strengthen the affected tissue.

Spinal Adjustment

As a result of your car accident, you may be dealing with neck, back, or spinal cord pain. To help you, your chiropractor may adjust your spine by using their hands or a small instrument. Per Mayo Clinic, by applying a controlled force to your joints, you may be able to benefit from an increased range of motion.

Physical Therapy

Your chiropractor may ask you to complete certain exercises that build muscle in certain areas of the body. The type of physical therapy you are asked to undergo will depend on your condition.

Your chiropractor may also make recommendations about your diet and lifestyle. Some preexisting conditions, like obesity, could exacerbate certain injuries. Your chiropractor will take into account your medical history, as well as any other relevant details that could impact your recovery period.

Considerations After Getting Hurt in a Car Accident

After being injured in a car accident, you may be unsure of how to proceed. Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance after a collision. You should do everything in your power to seek prompt medical care and keep your condition from getting worse.

So, for example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury, you should refrain from strenuous physical activity. You should rest, possibly immobilize the problem area, and consider how chiropractic care could help you.

You should also document your daily pain levels in the days preceding your chiropractic appointment. This information could help your healthcare provider better assess your condition. Write down the source of your injury, where it hurts, and the extent to which you are impaired.

Dominguez Chiropractic Is Your One-Stop Auto Injury Center

If you were injured in a car accident, there is no need to live in pain. Dominguez Chiropractic can help you seek pain relief following a collision. Our bilingual staff helps patients throughout the Atlanta area with five office locations in Doraville, Marietta, Decatur, Gainesville, and Lawrenceville.

We can help you if you were injured as a result of a:

  • Bike accident
  • Bus accident
  • DUI (driving under the influence) accident
  • Head-on collision
  • Rear-end collision
  • MARTA accident
  • Pedestrian accident
  • Truck accident
  • Taxi accident
  • Uber or Lyft accident

Since 2003, our team has helped thousands of patients rebuild their lives. Our founder, Dr. Barbara Dominguez, makes it her priority to personally meet with each patient while they receive treatment. You can see a medical doctor on staff during your first visit with us.

To learn more about seeking chiropractic care and booking an appointment, call (404) 800-3000. We can also provide you with more information regarding how long you should see a chiropractor after a car accident injury.