What to Do After Being in a Car Accident

Even minor car accidents are traumatic events. A simple fender bender can cause your body to twist, bend, and move in unnatural positions, leading to physical pain and injuries. Understanding what to do after a car accident is a critical part of your recovery. Let’s take a close look at what you need to do after you’re in an accident. 

What to Do After a Serious Car Accident

If you’re in a serious car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 and ride to the hospital in an ambulance if you experienced head or neck trauma. If not, you can drive to your primary care provider or the emergency room to get checked out. You might undergo an X-ray or an MRI to rule out serious injuries.

What to Do After a Minor Fender Bender

If you were involved in a minor fender bender, you probably don’t need to call an ambulance. However, you still need to visit a medical provider for an evaluation. Soft tissue injuries are common in minor accidents and ignoring your injuries can cause them to get progressively worse. Also, visiting the doctor will create a paper trail in case you need to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Documenting your injuries will help you prove your case if the need arises.

What to Do If You’re Still in Pain After Visiting the Doctor

You might feel pain immediately after the car accident, or it could take days or weeks to appear. Delayed pain could be a sign of whiplash or other injuries that need treatment. If you’re in pain, it’s time to visit the chiropractor. 

Bring your diagnostic results with you to your first appointment, so your chiropractor can review them. If you haven’t undergone diagnostic testing, your chiropractor can order an X-ray or MRI to determine the extent of your injury. Then, the provider will create a customized treatment plan to get your body back to normal.

Your plan might include chiropractic adjustments to increase the range of motion in your neck and back. These adjustments will mobilize your spine to speed up the healing process. Many people notice improvements the day after the first adjustment.

The adjustments can also reduce inflammation. Your chiropractor can manipulate your spine, so it releases Interleukin 6 (IL-6). This anti-inflammatory substance quickly reduces inflammation and reduces pain.

Chiropractic adjustments can also increase the levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and neurotensin in your body. The three work together to naturally reduce your pain levels. You should notice an immediate boost after your first chiropractic treatment. 

Finally, your chiropractor will document your injuries and treatment. Again, you can use this documentation if you need to file a claim after the accident.

Dealing with pain after an automobile accident isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s frustrating. You want to get back to normal life as quickly as possible, but your body is holding you back. If you’ve been in an accident, call Knecht Chiropractic Center in Sanford, NC, at 919-629-0400. You can also schedule an appointment online.