Why You Should Always See a Doctor After an Auto Accident

More than 2.4 million people were injured in car crashes in 2022. While fatality rates are decreasing, serious injuries can have long-lasting effects on quality of life. Not all serious injuries appear as such right away, which is why it's critical to get checked out immediately after any auto accident.

At Atkins Chiropractic in University Place, Washington, Peter Atkins, DC, BCAO, and his team can quickly identify if you’ve suffered an injury to your neck or back during an auto accident, and provide the proper treatment to help prevent more serious issues from developing. 

Minor accidents don’t always equal minor injuries

Just as some car crashes show immediate and devastating effects, such as a car being rolled over, crushed, or on fire, some auto accident injuries are just as obvious, including broken bones, burns, and so on. 

However, in many smaller accidents, the signs of an injury may be nearly invisible. A simple fender-bender may leave what’s deemed only cosmetic damage on your car and body, and it can be easy to shrug off any minor aches and pains you’re having while dealing with paperwork and police reports.

The dangers of whiplash

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get medical attention as soon as possible. Even the slightest bump into another vehicle or veer over a curb can cause whiplash, and that slight but irritating neck ache or back ache could be a sign of a much more serious injury.

That’s because even mild auto accidents often involve hard jolts or impacts that cause whiplash, which can affect your soft tissues and nerves. Even without an obvious symptom like a cut, abrasion, or bruise, you’re likely to be at risk of damage seated in deeper layers of your soft tissue. 

Many of these injuries cause inflammation and swelling, allowing inflamed tissue to press on nerves or interfere with your joints. In many cases, such issues don’t show up right away, but they can have a long-term or lifelong impact.

Getting prompt medical care is essential

An important reason to seek medical care following an auto accident is to reveal hidden injuries that can cause delayed symptoms or worsen over time. Many chronic problems, like whiplash, disc injuries, or nerve damage, can take weeks or even months to show up. Once they do appear, they can cause pain for years to come. 

There are even nerve and soft tissue injuries that can develop into major disabilities, causing  you trouble with mobility and difficulty in managing everyday aspects of your life. By getting an immediate medical exam and several follow-ups, you can find out if you're at risk for future loss of income or chronic pain due to a seemingly innocuous car accident.

Make an appointment as soon as possible after your auto accident

By examining you right after your car crash, we can diagnose such injuries and map out a plan of treatment focused on early intervention. We also provide you with a detailed medical record for any involved insurance providers, helping you get the compensation you need to avoid financial hardship.  

If you’ve had an auto accident, don’t delay seeking care. Request an appointment online or over the phone by calling 253-752-7522 today.