Why you shouldn’t ignore symptoms after a car accident
If you have been in a car accident at some point in your life you know they aren’t fun. They can be stressful and overwhelming even if it’s a very small fender bender. At the time of impact we immediately start assessing ourselves and our passengers for any injuries or damage that we can see. Not all symptoms appear right away and the pain or discomfort can show up days or even weeks after an accident. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more long term issues down the road to recovery. It’s really important to pay attention to what your body is telling you and how Chiropractic care can help.
Why is there a delay in symptoms?
When you’re involved in a car accident, your body’s natural response is to produce adrenaline and endorphins. You might also know them as “fight or flight” hormones. These hormones temporarily mask pain, which means you might feel okay immediately after the crash. But, as the effects of these hormones wear off you will start to feel the physical impact of the accident.
Some of the most common delayed symptoms include:
- Neck or shoulder pain (a common sign of whiplash)
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Numbness or tingling
- Fatigue or dizziness
These symptoms may indicate underlying issues such as soft tissue injuries, misalignments, or nerve irritation that requires professional attention from a healthcare provider.
What happens if you ignore these symptoms?
Delaying treatment for symptoms after an accident can result in chronic conditions or long-term pain. For example:
- Whiplash-can lead to persistent neck pain, headaches, and mobility issues if untreated
- Back injuries- may worsen, causing ongoing discomfort or even spinal degeneration over time
- Nerve damage– may lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in affected areas
By addressing these issues early on you can prevent further isssues and ensure a faster recovery.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help?
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, effective approach to treating injuries from car accidents. At Choice Massage and Wellness we focus on identifying the root cause of your symptoms and developing a personalized treatment plan to help your body heal and get you back to feeling yourself.
Our care may include:
- Spinal Adjustments: to correct misalignments caused by the impact
Soft Tissue Therapy: to reduce inflammation and promote healing in muscles and ligaments – often using Graston Technique®
- Rehabilitation Exercises: to restore strength, mobility, and range of motion
- Ongoing Monitoring: to track your progress and make adjustments as needed
- Referral for digital x-rays: to help rule out any serious complications, and aid in a more specialized treatment plan.
Chiropractic care addresses both the immediate pain you feel now and the long-term health of your spine and nervous system, ensuring your body recovers fully.
What to do if you’ve been in an Accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident, even a minor one; don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention can save you from long-term discomfort and improve your overall well-being. First thing to do is to contact Manitoba Public Insurance to ensure you have discussed with them about your car accident and have a claim started.
Here are the next steps to take:
- Seek a professional evaluation ASAP, even if you feel fine initially the day after the accident
- Document any emerging symptoms to share with your chiropractor and possibly your claim advisor
- Schedule an appointment with us to create a personalized recovery plan. Click Here to book online today
