Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident in High Point?

If you were in a wreck, you may be asking yourself: should I see a chiropractor after a car accident in High Point? For many people, the answer is yes, once a doctor or the ER has ruled out anything serious. Even a crash that felt small can leave you with neck, back, or head pain that gets worse over time. Here is what to know, in plain words.

First things first: get medical care

After any accident, see a doctor or go to the ER first if you are hurt. That is the safe order of things. A chiropractor is a good next step for the muscle, joint, and spine problems that follow a crash, but we are not a replacement for emergency care.

Why injuries hide after a crash

Right after a collision your body is flooded with adrenaline. It can block pain for hours or even days. You step out of the car on Main St or the shoulder of I-85, feel "fine," and go home. Then you wake up two mornings later with a stiff neck and a headache.

There is also a simple physical reason. In a crash, your head and body are thrown in different directions very fast. The soft tissues in your neck and back, like muscles and ligaments, can be stretched or strained. They swell slowly. That is why the pain often shows up later, not at the scene.

Symptoms to watch for

Pain after a wreck does not always look the way you expect. Watch for:

• Neck pain or stiffness (read more about whiplash)
• Headaches that start a day or two after the crash
• Low back or mid-back pain
• Pain or tingling in your shoulders, arms, or legs
• Dizziness, trouble sleeping, or feeling foggy
• Trouble turning your head while driving

Go to the ER or call 911 right away for severe pain, numbness, weakness, trouble speaking or seeing, confusion, or any head injury. Those are not things to wait on.

What happens at your first visit

We want you to know what to expect before you walk in.

• A conversation. We ask how the crash happened and what you feel now.
• An exam. We check your movement, posture, muscles, and nerves. Learn more about neck pain and back pain care.
• X-rays if needed. We only take them when your exam shows they are useful.
• A clear written plan. Before care starts, you get the number of visits we recommend and the cost, in writing. No surprises.
• Documentation. We keep detailed records of your symptoms and treatment. That matters if you have an insurance claim or an attorney.

Care is gentle and matched to you. Many people feel some relief, but every body heals differently, and we never promise a result. Care may help you move better and feel better. Your plan is yours to accept or decline.

How people pay for care after a wreck

Money is a real worry after an accident. A few common options:

• MedPay. Some North Carolina auto policies include medical payments coverage. It is optional, so check your policy. It generally pays for accident-related medical bills no matter who caused the crash (one NC law firm explains it here).
• The other driver's liability insurance. If someone else caused the wreck, their insurance may be involved in your claim.
• Your attorney. If you hired a lawyer, we work with your attorney's office and provide records.

Every claim is different, so ask your insurance company and your attorney how your coverage applies. We can tell you what we need from you to get started. If your injury happened at work, see our page on work injuries.

One more thing worth knowing: North Carolina gives most people three years to file an injury lawsuit (N.C.G.S. 1-52), and in North Carolina being even slightly at fault can affect a claim (FindLaw explains contributory negligence). This is not legal advice. Talk to an attorney about your own situation. It is one more reason to get checked and documented early.

Simple steps to take after a wreck

You do not need to do everything at once. A few small steps can protect your health and keep things organized:

• Call 911 from the scene if anyone is hurt, and get a police report.
• Take photos of the cars, the road, and any marks on your body.
• Write down your symptoms each day, even small ones. A short note on your phone is enough.
• Tell your insurance company about the crash.
• Keep every bill, receipt, and paper in one folder.

These notes help your doctors understand your recovery. They also help you remember details later, when life gets busy again.

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I get checked after a crash?

As soon as you can after the ER or your doctor has cleared you. Early records help show when your symptoms began, and early care may help you avoid a longer recovery.

Will it hurt?

Care after an accident is gentle. We tell you what we are doing and why, and you can ask us to stop at any time.

Do I need a lawyer before I come in?

No. You can come in with or without an attorney. If you have one, we will work with their office. If you do not, we can still examine you and explain your options for paying for care.

Get checked — free consultation

Hurt in a crash on I-74, Business 85, Eastchester Dr, or anywhere in Guilford County? Your first consultation with us is free and comes with no obligation. Text us at 336-962-5815 or call (336) 882-5433. You can also book online. Hablamos español. Prefer to send a message? Use our contact page.

If you have severe pain, numbness, weakness, or a head injury, go to the ER or call 911 first.