How Long Do I Need Chiropractic Treatment After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then you want to find an affordable chiropractor who will help you through the whole healing and recovery process. But how long will you need to see a chiropractor for an injury? When it comes to chiropractic treatment for car accident injuries, the length of treatment can vary due to a number of factors. The type of car accident injury you have will influence the length of treatment. The severity of your injury and the way your body responds to the healing process will also impact the amount of time you will spend with your chiropractor. Your chiropractor will work with you to determine the most accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

Common Car Accident Injuries

There are many ways people can get injured in a car accident, from minor scrapes and bruises to broken bones. Here are four of the most common types of car accident injuries.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common car accident injury, especially with rear-end collisions. The sudden force of impact between two vehicles can cause your head and neck to snap forward and backward violently. This can strain the muscles and tendons in your neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and soreness. Whiplash can also cause headaches, upper back pain, and difficulty turning your head in certain directions. 

Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries are common in car accidents due to the amount of pressure and stress that is put on the body during the event. While your muscles strain to support your head, neck, and upper body, your spine is also put under pressure. A blow to the spine can also cause an injury. Herniated discs are also common in car accident injuries and most often occur in the neck or lower back. A spinal disc that usually cushions and separates two vertebrae can slip out of place and cause pain, tingling, and numbness into your extremities.

Joint Injuries

Common joint injuries after a car accident include damage to the wrists, shoulders, and knees. You may get a broken wrist from bracing your hands against the steering wheel or dashboard. The shoulder joint can sometimes be heavily bruised or even dislocated as your upper body strains against the seat belt. Knees can also be damaged in car accidents, especially if they collide with the dashboard or other parts of the vehicle. Joint injuries can cause pain and even limit your mobility in the area.

Concussion

A concussion is also common in a car accident injury. A blow to the head or a violent shaking can cause damage to the brain and cause swelling and even bleeding. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. If you experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, trouble concentrating, and sensitivity to light and sound after a car accident then you want to get checked out for a possible concussion.

When to See a Chiropractor for Car Accident Injuries

It is always better to be cautious and get checked out by a professional after a car accident. When you visit a chiropractor after you’ve been in a wreck, they can assess you for injuries and get you started on a treatment plan that alleviates your immediate symptoms and also addresses the root cause of your pain. Chiropractors utilize an all-natural and drug-free approach to treating car accident injuries. Chiropractic treatment for common car accident injuries will involve a holistic look at how the injury has impacted your healthy functioning and working to restore that functioning. Instead of using pain medications that only mask your pain symptoms temporarily, chiropractors get at the root cause of your pain and other symptoms after a car accident. Chiropractors use safe, gentle, and therapeutic techniques that are all-natural and effective in reducing symptoms so you can heal from your injury.

How Often Chiropractic Care Is Needed After a Car Accident

Your chiropractor will develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your body’s needs and how you can best heal from an injury. The timing will differ from person to person, so your chiropractor will talk to you about the best course of action for your chiropractic treatment. Visit Affordable Chiropractic Killeen to learn more about how you can benefit from chiropractic treatment after a car accident.