How Long Should I Wait Before Going to a Chiropractor After an Accident?

What If My Car Accident Was Minor?

If your car crash and subsequent injuries are minor, you can opt to wait a day to see your primary care physician rather than the hospital or urgent care. But keep in mind that not all primary care physicians can treat auto crash injuries. That’s often due to the medical billing insurance system that medical offices use. Be sure to call first to make sure you can receive treatment before heading over.

Should I See a Chiropractor Immediately Following My Car Accident?

If you’re experiencing back pain, you’ll want to see a chiropractor – but not right away. The key is seeing a doctor at a hospital, urgent care, or your physician’s office as soon as possible after your wreck. From there, the medical professional who treats your injuries will guide you on when to see a specialist, like a chiropractor. Let’s take a closer look at when to see a chiropractor after your accident.

The second thing to consider after receiving medical care is seeking out counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney, who can evaluate the case surrounding your accident and advise you on how to move forward. You could have a claim for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and to reclaim any damages that you’re due from the negligent party that caused the wreck.

How Soon After My Car Accident Can I Visit a Chiropractor?

If you’re diagnosed with whiplash injury after receiving medical care from your car accident, don’t wait to see a chiropractor. Waiting for a settlement can sometimes take weeks or months – by which time your injuries could worsen. Most insurance policies cover chiropractic care after a car accident. Either way, it’s best to have your pain treated and make the next steps with your personal injury attorney toward a settlement for reimbursement.

Our car accident lawyers advise you shouldn’t wait longer than 72 hours after your accident to receive chiropractic care. Whiplash is the most common car accident injury that chiropractors treat. When you go to visit a chiropractor for the first time after your accident, you’ll receive a physical examination and have X-rays taken. In most cases, you won’t receive any adjustments until your follow-up appointment.

Getting chiropractic care can significantly reduce the chance of further injuring yourself later down the road. The process of realigning your back or spine is a slow and steady one. Taking the time to continue visiting a chiropractor to treat back pain can save you from experiencing ongoing and worse pain later.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash that a Chiropractor Can Treat?

Common symptoms of whiplash include stiffness and soreness in the back and neck. Other symptoms include the following:

• Pain in the back, arms, or shoulders
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Constant headaches
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Depression

Many times, the symptoms of whiplash take time to develop fully. Car accident victims may not feel any pain for a day or two after the initial impact of the crash. That’s why it’s always wise to see a doctor immediately after the crash, even if you feel fine, to understand the full extent of your injuries.