← Back to All Articles
If you've ever been in a major (or minor) car accident, you know it can be a traumatizing and life-changing experience. Even accidents at low speed that cause minimal injury — or none detectable at the time — can be potentially harmful. An injury to your neck or spine can be masked by adrenaline and stress. In short, you may be injured and not know it yet.
The first 72 hours after a car accident are critical, and a common injury like whiplash can go undetected for hours, days, or even weeks. You may have whiplash if you are suffering from any of these symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Arm pain
- Neck stiffness
- Lower back pain
To reduce future pain or discomfort, whiplash should be evaluated within 72 hours by a chiropractor.
5 facts about car accidents and chiropractic care
- Just because your car isn't damaged doesn't mean you're not. Bumpers take a lot of the force of a slow-moving impact, but not all. The force has to travel somewhere, and it travels through you. If in doubt, always consult a chiropractor first.
- Seat belts prevent you from being thrown against the steering wheel or out of the car. You are, however, thrown against the belt. Shoulder injuries and whiplash are common symptoms and should be addressed by a qualified chiropractor.
- Pain can take up to 10 days to show up after the most minor of car accidents. In particular, injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can take weeks to manifest.
- Even minor accident-related injuries can take up to 3 months of regular chiropractic treatment to show tangible, lasting relief.
- You are often jarred forward unexpectedly in a car accident, making your head and neck especially vulnerable. After a car accident, it's always advisable to see your doctor as soon as possible.
For more information, contact our team at Family Tree Chiropractic.