You were involved in a car wreck. Now what?

After going through the required steps - exchanging insurance information and contacting police - you feel well enough to continue with your day.

Days later, you notice discomfort in your back, neck, or shoulders. You may experience tingling in the arms or ringing in the ears.

This is why it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a wreck, even if you feel fine.

What kind of doctor should I see?

Knowing what kind of doctor to see and what kind of treatment is necessary depends entirely on the nature of your injury.

You should first undergo a medical evaluation to find out what type of injury you have and how severe it is.

If you have sustained a severe or life-threatening injury, you would need to be treated by an appropriate medical specialist immediately.

However, if you are recovering from a less severe injury that causes pain or discomfort, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor.

Joining Atlanta personal injury lawyer Gary Martin Hays in a YouTube video, chiropractor Dr. Chris Connelly discusses the benefits of receiving chiropractic care after a crash.

About chiropractor care

Chiropractors are the third largest healthcare profession behind medicine and dentistry. It's the largest form of drugless treatment in the United States.

Chiropractic treatment focuses primarily on natural remedies and musculoskeletal care. It includes spinal adjustments and manipulation, so the body can naturally heal itself.

What to expect on your first visit

When a patient is treated after a car wreck, they must first fill out paperwork, which includes their past medical history, information about the wreck, and details about the injury.

A chiropractor will then sit down and discuss your injury with you and determine which treatment is the most suitable.

During an initial consultation, your chiropractor will look at red flags in your health, check the range of motion in your joints, the stability of your ligaments, and muscle tone.

Your chiropractor will then conduct orthopedic procedures and take X-rays to locate the focal point of your injury.

Why the details of a car wreck are important

The details of your car wreck may provide clues that can help your chiropractor properly diagnose your condition.

For example, your spine may be affected differently, depending on the direction your car was struck. If you were struck from behind, you may have whiplash. If your car was struck in a head-on collision or T-bone accident, your injury may be more severe.

Other complications from a wreck can include:

• Facial or eye injuries from the airbag
• Respiratory issues from breathing in substances from the airbag
• Collarbone or abdominal injuries caused by the seatbelt
• Cuts or lacerations caused by broken glass or contact with car parts

Symptoms that could signify a serious condition

Prior to treatment, your chiropractor may look for symptoms that could indicate a serious underlying condition.

After a wreck, you may experience:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Radiating pain
• Swelling
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in ears

These symptoms are common in patients who have sustained head injuries, whiplash, and other injuries to the spine.

What to expect during the treatment process

Upon being treated by your chiropractor, it's absolutely critical that you be consistent and show up to every appointment.

Communication is key. If something doesn't feel right, make sure you communicate that to your chiropractor.

Keeping up with your treatment is not only key to your health but is a crucial component for your car accident claim.

Worried about the cost of your chiropractic care? That's why you should consult with an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer at Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.

Our legal team possesses a wealth of legal knowledge and a proven track record of helping injured motorists recover economic and non-economic damages.

Don't hesitate! Contact us today to set up your free case evaluation.