The probability of getting injured in a car accident is generally high. Even if you don’t feel any pain at first, you may start feeling it after a while. Many people seek chiropractic care to help their bodies recover naturally from car accident injuries. However, you might wonder what to expect from your first chiropractic visit.
In this blog, let’s discuss what you can expect during your visit to an auto accident chiropractor.
Why you should Visit a Car Accident Chiropractor?
After a car crash, visiting a chiropractor is essential to avoid unnecessary issues later. Chiropractors can help your body to heal without surgical treatment and prevent long-term damage to your body.
For example: whiplash, which is a typical neck injury that generally happens due to a car accident is experienced by nearly two million individuals in the country. Thus, visiting a skilled & experienced car accident chiropractor can help diagnose the injury and provide chiropractic treatment to address the neck strain and soothe symptoms.
What to Expect on Your First Chiropractic Visit After an Accident
Over 35 million Americans, including adults and children, visit a chiropractor annually. Thus, this means that chiropractic care is a widely utilized healthcare practice in the United States. However, some of you still hesitate to visit an auto accident chiropractor.
due to more dependency on conventional medical treatment. However, you have developed the symptoms of injuries such as whiplash after an accident. Then it is always recommended to seek a chiropractic treatment.
Let’s find out what to expect during your visit to a San Jose CA chiropractor!
- Initial Consultation:
Your first chiropractic appointment begins with a consultation. The chiropractor will start by gathering information about your health history (including any pre-existing conditions), If any. Also, you’ll be asked to describe the accident in detail, including the severity of the impact and where you felt pain.
The auto accident chiropractor also enquires about the current symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. All this information helps them diagnose the source of your pain and discomfort.
- Physical Examination:
Medical history alone cannot determine the issues in your body and treat your injury. Thus, The chiropractor needs to perform a physical examination, primarily on your back, neck, and spine. San Jose CA chiropractor will examine your body’s tenderness, swelling, or misalignments. They will also examine your flexibility by asked to perform certain movements and identify any limitations.
In addition to this, your posture will be assessed to check for any imbalances caused by the car crash. They may get some tests done to check your:
- Breathing rate
- Pulse rate
- Range of motion
- Flexibility
- Blood Pressure
- Reflexes
The physical examination helps determine the overall health including nerve damage or spinal cord involvement of the patient.
- Diagnostic Imaging:
Diagnostic imaging is a tool used by healthcare providers to see inside the body. It helps identify injuries, diseases, and other abnormalities. After a car accident, your chiropractor might recommend one or more of these imaging tests:
- X-rays:
X-rays create images of bones, joints, and some dense tissues. To check for fractures, dislocations, or misalignments of the spine or other bones.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
MRIs provide detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Why they’re used: To detect soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography):
CT scans create cross-sectional images of the body. To examine bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues in detail. They can help identify complex injuries or internal bleeding.
Such type of imaging test recommended will depend on the severity of your accident and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. These tests provide valuable information to help your chiropractor develop a tailored treatment plan.
- Treatment Plan:
Once the San Jose CA chiropractor has a clear understanding of your injuries, they will develop a personalized treatment plan according to the diagnosis. This includes several types of treatment plans to treat the specific affected area.
- Chiropractic Adjustments: General manipulations to restore the adjustments of the patient’s body.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Using massage and other techniques to relax muscles, and mitigate pain and discomfort.
- Physical Therapy Exercises: It helps improve strength, flexibility, and mobility in the body.
- Cold & Heat Therapy: Cold & heat therapy is another treatment used by chiropractors to minimize pain & inflammation.
- Electric Stimulation: Electric stimulation is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents to ease your pain and reduce muscle spasms. It’s often used in conjunction with other treatments like chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy.
- Ongoing Care:
Depending on the level of severity of your injuries, you may required to visit a chiropractor several times. The goal of the chiropractor is to gradually improve your health-related issues and restore the functionality of the entire body.
It is essential to communicate your concerns clearly with the expert about the symptoms and medical concerns throughout the treatment process.
Conclusion
To conclude, after a car accident you might feel nervous about scheduling your first chiropractic visit but it is important to address chronic pain or restricted movement. You can expect the above-mentioned things during your visit to a chiropractor. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery
If you’re looking for the best chiropractor near me, then you should surely visit Back to Back Chiropractic!
Dr. Noel Chivers and Dr. Meronea Lahann-Chivers provide treatment for wrist tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, neck discomfort, and injuries encountered in auto accidents. They believe that patients must recover more quickly and completely.
