5 Signs You Need to See a Chiropractor After an Auto Accident

About 1.19 million people die as a result of road traffic crashes annually. Others get injured in ways that can cause long-term problems. It’s common for those who’ve been in auto accidents to feel okay, only to find hidden health issues later. Oftentimes injuries “heal” relatively quickly, however those injuries really manifest 20 to 30 years later.  This is why early treatment is key to minimize long term consequences.  

Even without immediate symptoms, seeking chiropractic care following a car accident can help prevent injuries from developing over time. Read on to learn about the five key signs to see a chiropractor after an auto accident.

Sign #1 Persistent Neck or Back Pain

Neck pain is one of the common signs of injury after a car accident, even in low-speed collisions. Whiplash, an auto injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, can cause persistent neck pain and discomfort. Chiropractors treat whiplash using spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy techniques to reduce pain and inflammation and realign the spine.

In addition to neck pain, persistent pain in the lower, middle, or upper back can also indicate spinal misalignment or soft tissue damage. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment to your spine, ease back pain, and let your body heal naturally.

Chiropractors use gentle, targeted adjustments to realign the vertebrae and relieve nerve pressure. These treatment methods help reduce pain and discomfort and let you quickly return to your daily activities. 

Sign #2 Stiffness or Limited Range of Motion

Neck, shoulder, and back stiffness are typical in auto accidents. These can point to underlying injuries such as joint misalignment and muscle tension, which restrict movement. These mobility issues can get in the way of your daily routine. 

Chiropractors can assess mobility issues and effectively improve your mobility. They create personalized treatment plans, including targeted adjustments and therapeutic exercises to ease muscle tension and correct spinal misalignments. 

Ignoring stiffness or limited range of motion after an auto accident can lead to complications, including chronic pain or reduced mobility over time. These issues can become more pronounced when left untreated.

Seeking chiropractic care early will help restore movement and prevent long-term problems. Chiropractors can immediately treat stiffness and offer preventive care strategies to help maintain flexibility and joint health. Undergoing prompt treatment also boosts recovery and minimizes your risk of injury-related chronic conditions.

Sign #3 Headaches or Dizziness

Headaches and dizziness are common signs of injury after a car accident. A concussion occurs when a sudden impact causes the brain to move or twist within the skull rapidly. It can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, balance issues, and other brain injury symptoms.

Chiropractors can provide natural pain relief after a car accident by improving your blood flow and relieving nerve pressure. Targeted chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment to your spine and neck, which may ease headache, dizziness, and other symptoms.

In addition to concussion-related headaches, you may experience tension headaches caused by muscle tightness in your neck and shoulders. This tension can lead to chronic headaches that hinder your daily activities.

We recommend you see a chiropractor after an auto accident for long-term relief. Chiropractors can ease tension headaches using spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises. These treatment options address muscle tightness and spinal misalignment, which are the causes of tension headaches. 

Sign #4 Numbness or Tingling

Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, and legs often indicates nerve compression or damage. These symptoms arise when surrounding tissues, such as muscles or bones, apply excessive pressure on the nerves, impairing their ability to transmit signals. 

Chiropractic adjustments can relieve nerve pressure and ease symptoms. Chiropractors can free trapped nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore proper alignment to your spine and surrounding structures. The sooner you undergo chiropractic treatment following an auto accident, the better you can prevent further nerve damage and ensure recovery.

One specific condition that can cause similar numbness or tingling is sciatica, which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed. It often causes pain and discomfort from the lower back down through the legs.

Chiropractic care treats sciatica by realigning the spine and reducing inflammation around the affected nerve. Chiropractors use targeted spinal adjustments and therapeutic exercises to ease the pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore its normal function. 

Sign #5 Fatigue or Sleep Disturbances

Auto accident injuries can significantly disrupt your sleeping patterns and lead to persistent fatigue, even if the injuries themselves don’t seem severe. Pain and discomfort from whiplash, back injuries, or muscle strains can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position, resulting in restless nights and insufficient rest.

Good sleep is vital for recovery; it allows your body to heal and rejuvenate. It supports immune function, cognitive performance, and emotional health. Adding chiropractic care to your recovery plan after an auto accident can help ease your symptoms and enhance overall relaxation. This can improve sleep quality and combat fatigue, leading to a more effective healing process. 

Takeaway

If you’re wondering when you should see a chiropractor after an auto accident, watch out for these five signs: persistent pain, limited mobility, headaches, numbness or tingling, and sleep disturbances. Ignoring your symptoms can lead to long-term complications. Seek chiropractic care for a safe, effective, and noninvasive way to treat your injuries. 

If you’ve been in an accident, Hogan Chiropractic can help you get back on track. Experience the various benefits of chiropractic care after an auto accident with our personalized evaluations and treatment plans designed for your speedy recovery. 

Contact us today to book a consultation!