Suffering a car accident is a traumatic experience.Even if you have been lucky and not suffered severe injuries, the aftermath can still be very tough to deal with. As well as dealing with paperwork, insurance claims, and car repairs, you may also find yourself dealing with unexpected pain and discomfort.
Many people suffer from hidden injuries after a car accident that may not reveal themselves until days, weeks, or even months later. And even without an injury, the trauma of the accident can lead to a whole host of problems, including headaches, neck pain, and back pain.
One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health after a car accident is to see a chiropractor.
Here are seven reasons why:
1) Drug-free pain management
After a car accident, you will likely be in pain, either from injuries sustained in the accident or from the whiplash effect that can cause neck and back pain. Many people turn to painkillers to help manage it, but these come with many problems and side effects, including addiction, gastrointestinal issues, and a long list of side effects. Chiropractic care provides a drug-free way to manage pain using techniques like massage therapy, spinal manipulation, and ice/heat therapy.
2) Non-Invasive Care
After a car accident, you may be facing the prospect of surgery to repair any injuries. However, timely and consistent chiropractic care can help to avoid the need for surgery. By realigning the spine, providing support to the injured areas, and establishing a rehabilitation plan, chiropractors can often help people heal without resorting to more invasive procedures.
3) Whiplash and other injuries can cause stiffness and loss of range of motion in the neck and shoulders
If your injuries require immobilizing in a neck brace or sling, this can cause additional stiffness from a lack of movement in the joints and limbs. Chiropractic care can increase range of motion and reduce stiffness, making it easier to get back to your activities quicker.
4) Improve healing time
Chiropractic techniques help remove obstacles hindering the body\’s ability to heal and can also reduce inflammation and promote healing.
5) Lower stress levels
The physical and emotional trauma of a car accident can take a toll on your body, and one of the ways this manifests is in increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can interfere with the healing process, so finding ways to lower them is important. Chiropractic care can help lower stress levels and hormones to promote relaxation and make healing easier.
6) Uncover and treat hidden trauma
Even if you don\’t feel like you were seriously injured in a car accident, it\’s still possible to have hidden trauma that could lead to problems down the road. You might have soft tissue damage or a misalignment in your spine that\’s not causing problems now but could do so later. You can uncover these hidden injuries by getting chiropractic care after a car accident and starting treatment immediately to ensure your condition doesn’t worsen.
7) Prevent future problems
One of the most healing things you can do after a car accident is to get chiropractic care to prevent future problems. The injuries sustained in a car accident can lead to long-term problems if they\’re not treated properly. By getting chiropractic care, you can ensure your spine is aligned correctly when you recover. This can help avoid further injury and pain down the road.
If you have been in a car accident, don\’t wait to get help. Contact a chiropractor as soon as possible to start on the road to recovery. They will also be able to help you document any injuries for an insurance claim or personal injury case if needed.
Contact Pure Health and Wellness today to book your first session if you\’ve suffered a car accident or are struggling with pain management.
As your local Naperville chiropractor, we offer free, no-obligation initial consultations with a highly experienced team member. They\’ll work with you to review your history and current condition and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.