While superficial injuries like cuts and bruises may heal quickly after a car accident, many injuries can persist for weeks or even months, and some may become chronic issues if not treated properly. It can seem intimidating at first to visit an Atlanta chiropractor and commit to the regular adjustments, but more treatment early on can prevent you from needing care years down the line. When you visit a car accident doctor in Marietta, they will be able to give you information on how long your course of treatment may take, but there are some general rules that apply.
When Should I Visit the Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
If there are first responders called to the scene of your accident, they may do some initial tests and evaluations to rule out injuries. However, many symptoms of car accident injuries aren’t apparent until days after the accident has occurred, requiring you to be on alert for anything out of the ordinary. But when these symptoms do begin to appear, sooner is better for getting to a chiropractor, especially a specialized accident doctor in Marietta. Issues may worsen over time if not treated, and early intervention usually reduces the duration of treatment needed.
If you experience any symptoms, even mild ones, for more than a couple of days, you should have them evaluated, even if the first responders were not concerned. Persistent headaches, migraines, or dizziness especially need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Even if your first session with you accident doctor in Marietta alleviates your worst symptoms, it is important to continue your maintenance care to ensure the problem does not come back.
How Many Times Should I Visit the Chiropractor?
Your specific injuries and needs will determine how many trips to the chiropractor you will need, as well as how often these visits should be. For example, whiplash typically requires a series of visits throughout the week for a number of weeks, while general soreness can often be reduced in one or two sessions.
There is no limit to how often you may visit your accident doctor in Marietta, however. Your chiropractor should work with you to taper off appointments as you begin to heal. Your doctor will have an initial recommendation on how long your treatment should take, but this may change as they begin to work on your spine. You should also communicate any changes, positive or negative, to your symptoms over time so they can adjust the plan as needed.
Why Do Chiropractors Recommend So Many Visits?
For people used to traditional medicine, it may feel unnatural to visit a chiropractor many times in quick succession. However, the body is a changing and moving thing, and chiropractors believe that as we change and heal, our bodies require variations in care.
Immediately after an accident, you may require frequent treatment as well as a regiment of pain medication and exercises to assist with any difficulties. That will likely change over the next weeks, where you may only need to be adjusted once per week and can discard more invasive pain management techniques. For most people, the goal is to reach a point where appointments are only set up as-needed.
When Should I Stop Treatment?
For people with chronic pain in the back or neck, going to a chiropractor as your primary accident doctor in Marietta may be a lifelong activity on a set schedule. Many people choose to go monthly, or some other increment, to keep their spine in alignment and avoid any injuries in the future.
But if you are seeking acute care for an injury as a result of a car accident, you will likely be able to reach a point of full recovery. You will need to define what this looks and feels like for yourself, and then work with your chiropractor to reach that goal. You can collaborate to determine what seems like a natural stopping point based on your recovery.
Car Accident Specialists
AICA Marietta does not just offer expert chiropractic care, but care that is specifically designed for car accident victims. Our chiropractors work closely with a range of colleagues, from orthopedic doctors to physical therapists, to create comprehensive and personalized plans for each patient. We strive to help you reach a point of full recovery as quickly and safely as possible. Through gentle adjustments and a holistic approach to care, our team is able to offer specialized care and support to those who have been injured in car accidents. If you are in need of a car accident doctor in Marietta, contact AICA today to schedule your first consultation and understand what a treatment plan may look like for you.