How Soon Should You See a Chiropractor After Car Accident Injuries?

Dr. Thang Tran, DC • March 8, 2022
When you are in a car accident, back injuries are very common. The problem with this is that you don’t always get symptoms right away.

In the long-term, you should shift your thoughts to finding out everything you can about your injuries. If you have neck and back injuries, you should plan to see the chiropractor.

Let’s find out why car accident injuries require chiropractic care, and how soon you should go get it.

Go to the Emergency Room First

Before you think about going to the chiropractor, you should go to the emergency room. You need to make sure you haven’t suffered more critical injuries and should get a series of tests and scans.

When you get medical imaging in the emergency room, you can learn exactly how your back and spine have been hurt, so you can start working on your recovery.

It is important that you go to the emergency room even if you don’t even feel any pain. Car accidents cause adrenaline to run through your body, and that can make you immune to the pain of the injuries you suffered for the next several hours or even days.

Getting tests at the emergency room makes it so that you can start getting treatment instead of waiting for the pain to set in. As the adrenaline wears off, you will most likely deal with pain and swelling that can even become debilitating. 

Talk to Some Lawyers as Soon as You Can

After you leave the emergency room, start getting in touch with some lawyers the very next business day. Car accident injuries cost a lot, so you need to make sure that you have some legal protection that will pay for your injuries.

During your initial free appointment, you will give the lawyer a recounting of the accident. If the lawyer thinks that they can win the case, they will represent you for free upfront, with the understanding that they will retain a percentage once you get paid.

Learn All You Can About Your Actual Injuries and Symptoms

A lot of people experience significant back pain following a car accident, so you should find out the extent of it all. Getting healing for your back injury is important so you don’t start dealing with pain that will follow you for life. 

Once you have spoken to both a physician and a lawyer, make sure you keep all your medical records. Give your lawyer copies, and make sure to bring some copies to your first chiropractor visit.

Visit the Chiropractor and Physical Therapist to Set Up a Treatment Plan

After establishing that you have back and neck injuries, schedule your first chiropractic appointment ASAP.

Verify upfront that your treatment is covered, so you can move into a full treatment plan without worrying about how you’ll pay. This treatment plan is set up during your first appointment.

The chiropractor will see the current condition of your body and will lay out a plan of adjustments and treatments to help with your pain and discomfort. 

Determine Whether You Will Need Surgery or a Longer Recovery

When you speak to some neck and back specialists you’ll start learning the long-term prognosis of your injuries. In some cases, your physician and chiropractor will agree that you need surgery.

If you need spinal, neck or back surgery, be sure to get a few different options on your options, and that you commit to a chiropractic plan that will also help with this recovery.

Keep Records to Get Reimbursed For Your Chiropractic Care

You should keep all of your records to make sure that you can get reimbursed for your chiropractic care. This will also serve as the evidence you will need to pass along to your lawyer so you can win the case.

When your records are accurate, you can prove the financial part of the case so that your payment is fair.

Find a Chiropractor Now

At Essential Integrative Medicine, you will get attentive and dedicated chiropractic care, massage therapy, therapeutic injections, and post-accident recovery. Contact us today.
Doctor showing patient spine models in office with city view.
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 22, 2025
Chiropractic terms explained for patients: learn core terminology, treatment types, adjustment techniques, and how these shape your care experience.
role of chiropractic in recovery
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 19, 2025
Discover the role of chiropractic in recovery, including pain relief methods, injury rehabilitation, personalized care strategies, and alternative treatment options.
Pediatric Chiropractic
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 18, 2025
Discover how a pediatric chiropractor in Tampa supports your child's spine health, enhancing comfort and activity with gentle techniques. Keep reading!
auto injury chiropractic
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 18, 2025
Auto injury chiropractic helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and speed recovery after accidents. Learn about treatments, benefits, and key safety considerations.
holistic pain relief
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 17, 2025
Discover why holistic pain relief outperforms quick fixes. Learn about chiropractic methods, root-cause treatment, and benefits for chronic pain.
chiropractic techniques
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 16, 2025
Chiropractic techniques explained—types, how they work, safety, effectiveness, and alternatives. Learn what to expect from expert care for pain relief.
Workplace Injuries
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 15, 2025
Discover how a work injury chiropractor in Tampa offers holistic care to alleviate pain and promote long-term health and wellness. Continue reading on!
chiropractic care checklist
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 15, 2025
Discover the 7 must-have steps in a chiropractic care checklist. Learn how to get the most from treatment and improve pain relief and recovery.
Headache
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 14, 2025
Discover how a headache treatment chiropractor in Sarasota can provide relief and enhance well-being with personalized care and spine health focus. Read on!
Joint Health
By Essential ChiroCare Blogger December 14, 2025
Struggling with joint pain in Tampa's winter humidity? Discover ways a joint pain chiropractor in Tampa can help improve mobility and comfort. Keep reading!
Show More