Why You Should Receive Chiropractic Care After an Auto Accident
Why You Should See a Chiropractor After an Auto Accident
Even a “minor” car accident can leave you dealing with whiplash, back pain, and other nagging injuries. The sooner you visit a chiropractor after the accident, the better your chances are of feeling relief and avoiding long-term issues.
Whiplash Hurts—Chiropractic Can Help
Whiplash happens when your neck suddenly snaps back and forth, straining or injuring the muscles, ligaments, discs, and vertebrae. It’s more common than you might think—about two-thirds of people in car accidents end up with whiplash symptoms, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
Often, you might not notice the pain until hours or even days later. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce your neck pain, restore movement, and realign your spine. They also boost blood flow, calm inflammation, and help your body heal faster.
Back Pain, Muscle Spasms, and Full-Body Aches? We’ve Got You Covered
After an accident, it’s normal to feel sore all over. Chiropractors use a mix of therapies to treat these aches and pains. Massage therapy, for example, not only relieves muscle spasms but also triggers endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers.
If your back feels stiff or painful, your chiropractor may recommend spinal manipulation. These hands-on adjustments realign your vertebrae to reduce nerve pressure, ease tension, and lessen pain. When nerves get irritated, pain can even radiate down your arms or legs, but realignment helps stop that discomfort at its source.
Don’t Let Scar Tissue Limit Your Movement
Scar tissue can be a hidden culprit behind stiffness and decreased flexibility after an accident. Without treatment, it can build up and limit how well your muscles and joints move.
Chiropractors break up scar tissue using techniques like massage and instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy. They’ll also give you exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your mobility, helping you bounce back quicker.
And it’s never too late to start! A case study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine shared the story of a woman who saw improvement after seeking chiropractic care three years after her accident. Six months of treatment significantly reduced her pain and allowed her to stop taking opioids.
Ditch the Pills—Get Natural Pain Relief
Prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers can help in the short term, but they also bring risks. Nausea, dizziness, stomach issues, and even liver or kidney damage can result from long-term use. Opioids, in particular, carry a risk of addiction—even if you only use them temporarily.
Chiropractic care offers a drug-free solution for managing pain. Many patients find they can reduce or even eliminate their need for medication as treatment progresses.
Stop Injuries From Becoming Chronic Problems
Ignoring injuries after an accident can set you up for chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, and even long-term mobility issues. Chiropractic care helps reduce the chances of these problems developing—and may even help you avoid surgery down the line.
Been in a car accident recently? Don’t wait to take care of your health. Contact our office to schedule a chiropractic visit and get on the path to faster recovery.
Sources:
American Chiropractic Association: Whiplash: More than Standard Neck Pain, 3/15