Dr. Michael Francis, DC is the Wilmington DE Chiropractor for Peak Performance, with a focus on both Sports and Auto Injuries.

Car Accident Doctor: Can Chiropractic Care Help Me After a Car Accident?

August 12, 2020

HomeBlogCar Accident Doctor: Can Chiropractic Care Help Me After a Car Accident?

Yes, chiropractic care has been shown to be extremely effective in treating acute whiplash, chronic whiplash, low back sprain, and many other car accident injuries. Chiropractic care, when compared to other treatments like physical therapy, pain management or acupuncture, have been found to be just as effective, if not better, for treating auto accident injuries. At Francis Optimal Performance Chiropractic, our Wilmington DE Chiropractors regularly help car accident victims recover from their injuries through their auto insurance policy.

When you are involved in a car accident the effects it can have on your body can be detrimental. It is common for the musculoskeletal system to be knocked out of proper alignment due to the force of the accident; back and neck pain can then occur as a result. For example, a whiplash injury can happen from the force of a rear-impact accident that causes the abrupt movement of the cervical spine backward and forward. This can knock the spine out of its alignment and strain the neck muscles, which can cause severe pain, soreness, and stiffness.

Traditional medicine usually relies on over the counter or prescription medication to cover up pain symptoms. While, chiropractic treatment actually addresses the underlying injury and how to treat it. Even though painkillers provide immediate relief to a patient, they do not offer a long-term solution when it comes to managing or eradicating the pain. Additionally, treating the injury with medication does not help the patient regain lost mobility and can lead to muscle loss. Chiropractic adjustments for the treatment of auto accident injuries  can relieve pressure on the nerves and muscles while also bringing the spine back into alignment. Additional therapies, such as corrective exercise, can help bring back the body’s full range of motion.

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for a Car Accident Injury: 

  • Reduces Inflammation 
  • Avoid Long-Term Pain 
  • Non-Invasive Treatment 
  • Reduces Scar Tissue
  • Restores Range of Motion 
  • Pain Relief Without the Use of Prescription Drugs
  • Reduces Pain Throughout the Body 
  • Improves Your Chance at Making a Successful Claim 

When Should You Seek Care After an Auto Accident?

As soon as possible. If you are experiencing pain after a car accident, that is a good indication you have suffered an injury. Common injuries include pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrist or back. It is important to have your injuries documented right away after the accident in order to file a claim with the insurance company and person responsible for the accident.

Headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision can also be signs of a serious, but not life-threatening, injury after a car crash. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or worse, it is important that you seek emergency room care. ER doctors are equipped to deal with auto accident trauma and can see you right away to treat any life or limb threatening injuries. 

If you do not need immediate medical attention, but you are experiencing lasting effects and pain from the accident, we recommend you schedule an appointment with one of our experienced chiropractors. You will receive a complete examination and imaging to determine the extent of your injuries. Chiropractors are trained to detect soft tissue damage, loss of motion, muscle weakness and joint damage. 

An experienced chiropractic physician can complete an examination and request imaging tests to determine the extent of your injuries. Chiropractors are trained to detect soft tissue damage, muscle weakness, loss of range of motion, and damage to the joints. Whether your diagnosis is a herniated disc, whiplash, muscular bruising, or other injuries, the sooner you receive chiropractic treatment, the better. 

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries That Can Be Treated with Chiropractic Care: 

  • Whiplash
  • Damaged Vertebrae and Intervertebral Discs
  • Neck & Shoulder Pain
  • Muscle Pain and Soreness
  • Chest Pain
  • Herniated Discs
  • Knee Pain & Trauma
  • Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Strains & Sprains

What Should I Expect During My Visit?

We will collect the details of how and when your injury occurred, along with a complete physical evaluation. The evaluation may include examining your spine, observing the mobility of your joints, watching the way you walk, and testing your muscle strength, reflexes and range of motion. This all will help to determine a thorough and specific diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. 

Treatment may begin during your first appointment and may include an adjustment, muscle massage, and/or other healing therapies. Each individual's treatment plan will be different, tailored to their injury and health history. Your chiropractor may also recommend exercises to perform at home to speed up your recovery process and strengthen any muscles involved.

We can help you achieve the following:

  • Relieve pain - we can help heal soft-tissue injuries faster than they would on their own or with medication.
  • Restore mobility - Stiffness from an injury can decrease mobility. Through continued chiropractic treatments, mobility can be restored quickly compared to other forms of treatment.
  • Promote long term health and healing - We will help you to improve flexibility, strength leading to overall improved health. 

At Francis Optimal Performance Chiropractic, our goal is to return you to a high quality of life, and to make your recovery as smooth and efficient as possible.

How Long Should I See a Chiropractor After My Accident?

The amount of time it takes for a car accident injury to resolve will depend on the patient and the severity of the injury. The patient’s age and overall health can also be a determining factor into recovery time, as well. If the chiropractor recommends at-home exercises, the patient’s dedication to following those instructions will play into the recovery time too. Typically though, most car accident injuries can be fully healed in as little as 6 months or as long as 18 months.

After a few months of care, the chiropractor can assess the patient's treatment plan depending on how the injury is responding to treatment and can adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Every patient’s treatment experience will be different, just as every patient’s recovery experience will be different.

If you’ve been in a car accident, even if it was months or years ago, and are experiencing head, neck or back pain, it is worth it to have a consultation with a car accident chiropractor. Pain and injuries that are left untreated can develop into worse injuries and result in life-long problems that can affect your overall health and wellness.

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We pride ourselves on providing quality individualized care. Dr. Michael Francis is the chiropractor Wilmington residents need for peak performance, with a focus on both sports and auto injuries.
(302) 475-3200
[email protected]

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2500 Grubb Road Ste. 132, Wilmington, DE 19810

Phone: (302) 475-3200

Email: [email protected]

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