If you've suffered a serious injury in a car accident, such as a fracture or a concussion, the first person to see is a GP. But what about those mild and moderate injuries a GP can't cure? Instead of covering up these problems with pain medication, you should always see a chiropractor after a car accident.
Take a look at these three reasons why you should book an appointment.
Chiropractors Help in Multiple Ways
There are many treatment options available to help you recover from a car accident, but most of them only target one problem. Painkillers, for example, can reduce or even eliminate your discomfort—but only temporarily. They do nothing to resolve the underlying cause of your pain. On top of that, such medications can also have powerful side effects that make recovery harder.
Chiropractic treatment is unique because it can help you recover in several ways at once, all without any invasive procedures or strong medicines. Chiropractors are trained to manage soft tissue injuries, so they'll know just how to get you back on your feet.
Pain is often the most pressing concern after a car accident, and it's something chiropractic can certainly help with. Using safe, natural, manual therapies, your chiropractor will adjust your spine and release the tension in your muscles, swiftly relieving your discomfort.
By alleviating the pressure on your soft tissues and spinal system, these techniques will also build your range of motion and body strength back up, giving your body a chance to fully heal. This helps prevent long-term pain and suffering after your accident, unlike painkillers which only help in the short-term.
No Pain Doesn't Mean No Injury
Many people walk away from their car accidents believing they're unscathed, only to wake up the next morning with pain, stiffness and a debilitating post-traumatic headache. Just because you're not in any pain right after your accident, doesn't mean you're not injured.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents. It happens when the force of the impact whips your head and neck back and forth and the result can be very painful.
However, when you suffer a car accident, your body usually releases adrenaline to protect you. This adrenaline can mask your pain for several hours or even days, tricking you into thinking you're not really hurt. As soon as it subsides, all the discomfort and tension will return.
That's why it's a good idea to book a chiropractor appointment as soon as possible after an accident. If you wait until the pain kicks in, you could find yourself on an appointment waiting list when you need treatment the most.
Your Injury Could Cause Other Problems
If you have a high pain threshold, you may want to simply wait things out and let the discomfort dissipate on its own. However, it's important to remember that a car accident injury can cause other problems in your body too.
For example, the pain in your neck and back may force you to sit in a hunched or crumpled position at home and at work. Over time, this can have drastic effects on your posture. Not only does poor posture cause further discomfort, it also reduces your circulation, impacts your ability to breathe, tires you out, and much more.
Chiropractic is also based on the spine as the centre of your body's overall health and function. Scientists believe that vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments) caused by incidents such as car accidents can lead to abnormalities throughout the body, putting pressure on the nervous system, muscles, and more.
So, even if you can cope with the pain, a chiropractor can still help prevent other health problems that may arise as a result of your car accident.
If you've been in a car accident recently, contact Rasura Chiropractic for treatment from a qualified, experienced, holistic practitioner.
