After a car accident, the first thing you should do is get to safety, making sure to follow the rules of the road.

It may be a good idea to seek medical attention as well. Even if you’re not in pain, going to a doctor gives you a chance to receive treatment and provides doctors with a window to discover potential injuries. It also establishes a record of your injuries, which could come in handy later if you decide to pursue litigation.

Unfortunately, many injuries don’t manifest until later — sometimes much later.

Some of the most common collision-related injuries are whiplash and internal bleeding. You could injure yourself even more if you start chiropractic treatment while experiencing either of these conditions.

For this reason, many opt to wait before going to the chiropractor. But just how long should you wait before seeking treatment?

Should You See the Chiropractor Immediately Following the Accident?

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain after an accident, your first inclination might be to see a chiropractor. However, it’s best to consult with a doctor or primary care physician beforehand. These medical professionals will determine the extent of your injuries and make an informed recommendation regarding chiropractic treatment.

Along with your doctor, it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury attorney to determine whether you can seek compensation for your injuries. Doing so will help you later on when you’re setting up billing arrangements with the chiropractor and calculating damages for your claim.

How Soon Can You See a Chiropractor?

If your doctor diagnoses you with whiplash and you’ve consulted with an injury attorney regarding the viability of your case, it’s probably okay to see a chiropractor and start treating your injuries right away. Don’t wait for your personal injury case to come to fruition, as this can take a long time.

Instead of waiting weeks, months, or years for your case to resolve, you can start treating your condition as soon as your doctor authorizes it. Obtaining treatment sooner rather than later can reduce your chances of further injury, as you’ll be correcting any alignment issues rather than waiting for them to cause additional issues.

Experts recommend waiting around 72 hours after an accident to see a chiropractor. If it’s your first evaluation with a chiropractor, they’ll likely take X-rays and perform an in-depth physical examination. In most cases, you won’t actually receive an adjustment until your second appointment.

Can Chiropractors Treat Whiplash?

Whiplash can result in an array of symptoms like stiffness and soreness in the neck and back and difficulty moving the muscles of the upper body. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Tingling in the arms, neck, back, and shoulders
  • Pain or acute discomfort in the arms and shoulders
  • Frequent headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Unfortunately, the symptoms of whiplash can take time to fully manifest, meaning you could experience delayed-onset whiplash as a direct result of an accident that occurred days or even weeks prior.

A poorly-timed chiropractic adjustment could make your condition worse, which is why seeking medical treatment in the immediate aftermath of an accident is so important.

What if the Car Accident Was Minor?

Even if the accident wasn’t serious, it’s still wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that standard insurance billing practices in the United States may prevent your primary care physician from being able to treat you for an auto-related injury, requiring you to see an in-network specialist instead. As such, it’s always best to call and confirm rather than to make an expensive assumption.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.

Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000