The City of Edmonton reports that there is an average of 66 motor vehicle accidents (MVA) per day in the city. A significant number of these MVAs result in minor to serious injuries to parties involved. While prompt medical attention is required for all cases, far too many residents neglect to seek assistance outside of the hospital and family physician. If you have sustained an injury due to an MVA you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor as soon as you’re able. Here’s why.

4 Reasons Why You Must Consult With a Chiropractor Soon After You’ve Been in an Motor Vehicle Accident

1. Early Assessment is Critical to Faster Recovery

In many cases acute injuries sustained in an automobile accident may require the injured party to wear a splint or brace. Patients typically wait until supportive gear has been removed to see a chiropractor, but it’s important to take charge as soon as you’ve been discharged from the medical facility and can comfortably visit a clinic near you. The initial consultation will help determine when rehabilitation can begin, which may be sooner than anticipated. The road to more efficient recovery begins with this first step. 

2. A Chiropractor Directly Addresses Underlying MVA Injuries

An injured party may have received immediate medical attention for lacerations and broken or fractured bones. These are the “surface” injuries treated at the hospital. But in many instances symptoms of deeper and underlying injuries may not become evident until days, weeks, or even months after the automobile accident. While a chiropractor can help identify these injuries in an early assessment (as per item #1 above), they can also help correct them should you have been in an accident long ago, and are only now experiencing the symptoms. The most common among these often-latent injuries are addressed below, complete with symptoms to help identify whether or not you are suffering from them.

  • Whiplash (hyperextension or cervical sprain/strain) – Characterized by sharp neck or back  pain and/or stiffness, muscle spasm, in addition to back problems that collectively may lead to cognitive impairment including a lack of concentration and memory loss such as seen in concussions.
  • Back injuries – Ranging from minor strains and sprains to more serious conditions such as herniated discs. Beyond persistent back pain, symptoms commonly include numbness or tingling but may also include arm and leg pain in addition to general muscle weakness.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Extreme injuries to the tubular structure made up of nervous tissue can result in more complex and potentially more serious diagnosis. These must initially be addressed by a specialized physician. However, a wide number of spinal column injuries can be corrected through chiropractic work. These injuries may include bruising, excessive pressure, and other forms of impairment to the spinal structure and/or nerves which are characterized by varying levels of pain, discomfort, loss of sensation, and deprivation of reflexes.
  • Shoulder injuries – Characterized by decreased mobility and range of motion along with pain from sustained tears, strains, fracture or dislocation.
  • Other – The body is a complex organism that ties together a wide number of muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Swelling, pain, weakness and an inability to use one or more of these interconnected facilities often occurs after an automobile accident and therefore a full chiropractic examination is often recommended.  All of the injuries detailed above can be treated through chiropractic work. Full-service chiropractic therapy can be applied to treat whiplash and whiplash associated disorders in addition to neck pain, back pain, headaches, and more. Massage therapy along side other muscle modalities can also be employed to treat acute injuries sustained in (and chronic injuries aggravated by) an automobile accident.

3. Chiropractic Assessment of Underlying Injuries Helps Prevent Undiagnosed Symptoms and Complaints 

Given that not all injuries sustained in an MVA are evident right away, any failure to account for them can negatively impact your future quality of life. It can be a challenge to correct complaints in the future that were missed soon after an accident.  An early assessment and diagnosis is crucial.

Alberta defines a minor injury as a (i) sprain (ii) strain, or (iii) whiplash associated disorder. Through the combined efforts of a chiropractic team, you will be provided with the most comprehensive assessment possible, prescribing treatment and therapy not only for the pain you feel today, but the chronic problems (such as migraines) that may result. This will help lay the foundation for your timely recovery and well being. 

4. Alberta Auto Insurance Covers at Least 10 Chiropractic Treatments

Under Alberta’s Diagnostic Treatment Protocols Regulation (DTPR) you are covered for a minimum of 10 chiropractic treatments for minor injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, which is billed directly to your insurance company. In addition, you may qualify (contingent upon your policy) for $750 of chiropractic care coverage for more serious injuries as dictated under Section B of the DTPR. South Edmonton Chiropractic Centre offers direct billing for most insurance providers for the chiropractic services, exercise therapy and massage therapy you may need to recover from an automobile accident.

There is simply no reason to put off a chiropractic assessment and treatment any longer. View more about our motor vehicle injury therapy services and contact us today to schedule your first appointment.