How Long After an Injury Should You See a Chiropractor?

You can get an injury in ways like car accidents or slips and falls. Whether or not you should see a chiropractor after this depends on the severity of the trauma. Injuries after a car accident may require immediate medical assistance. But some may benefit from chiropractic care, especially when the trauma is not instantly life-threatening.

Why See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are adept professionals who can assist in many types of injuries. Their training can help keep pain from exacerbating on the way to kick-starting the healing process. Experts say you should not wait more than three days to visit a chiropractor after getting an injury.

Chiropractic care can help injuries heal quicker without taking any prescription medication. Regular chiropractic adjustments help mobilize your spine, enabling it to start healing and revert to its formal function. 

The treatment can help avoid massive problems, chronic pain, and long-term damage. It can also remove the need for surgery and treat the cause of pain, not just the symptoms. Unlike prescription medicine, chiropractic care is ideal for long-term pain management through natural methods.

Injuries That Benefit From Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can help in injuries like:
 

• Soft tissue damage
   

• Whiplash
   

• Knee pain
   

• Upper and lower back pain
   

• Torn rotator cuffs
   

• Neck and shoulder pain

When to Seek Help

The answer to this question is as soon as possible. If you have serious injuries, like brain injuries or broken bones, go to an emergency room immediately after an accident. The best reason for seeking immediate chiropractic care is to seek medical assistance in case of an injury. A chiropractor will evaluate and document your pain. Having no symptoms does not point to the lack of an injury. They may appear later after the initial damage.

If you depend on insurance to cover the expenses, seeing a chiropractor immediately gives credit to your situation. Waiting for more than three days may radically reduce your case’s value. The insurer may argue that the injury is mild because of your delay in seeking medical help.

Preliminary Exam

After getting an injury, the chiropractor at Cashae Spine and Sports will first draw up your entire medical history. Next is a thorough examination of your injuries. At this time, they may test your reflexes and ask you to bend some areas or in certain positions. Depending on your condition, the chiropractor may run orthopedic or neurological tests. 

If you have any fractures, they may need X-rays and other screenings. Next, they will review their findings and relay them to you in layman’s terms. Ask any questions at this time in case you do not understand something.

Finding Relief

Unlike common misconceptions about chiropractic treatments, most injuries do not fade away after one adjustment. Though this is not always the case, you may require multiple follow-up sessions. It is completely natural not to get relief after your first appointment. Recovery, however, depends on several factors like mental status, age, lifestyle, weight, fitness, diet, and existing medical issues.

Chronic injuries to the back and neck may have recurring symptoms. In this case, healthcare specialists do not recommend seizing chiropractic care entirely.

For more on seeing a chiropractor, visit Cashae Spine and Sports at our office in Silver Spring, Maryland. You can call (240) 219-8975 to book an appointment today.