Getting into a fender bender is not only damaging to your car but it can be damaging to your body as well. While your first phone calls should be to the police and your car insurance company, your next call should be to a chiropractor. Here are a few reasons why it's important to see a chiropractor following a fender bender.

You Might Have Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when there is a sudden stop of a vehicle and is the most common injury after getting into a rear-end collision. This type of injury can also occur after other types of automobile accidents, especially when the head is suddenly jerked backwards. Not only can whiplash damage the head and neck, it can cause pain in the following parts of the body:

• Nerve tissue and ligaments
• Spinal cord
• Discs in the back

When not treated right away, whiplash can cause chronic pain. Severe cases of whiplash include paralysis and improper function of the limbs. Since chiropractors focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system, they are highly effective when it comes to treating whiplash.

It's Better to Be Safe than Sorry

Sometimes after getting into a fender bender, you might not feel any pain. But since it's always better to be safe than sorry, you should still make that appointment with a chiropractor. Even if there is no pain present, you still may have injured your neck or back. Sometimes the pain doesn't show up until days or weeks following an automobile accident. Untreated injuries can cause serious problems. In the case of whiplash, if left untreated, the following complications can arise:

• Disc herniation
• Vertigo
• Chronic headaches
• TMJ

If you want to avoid ongoing problems following a fender bender, be sure to call a chiropractor, even if you don't feel any pain.

Types of Chiropractic Treatment

The type of treatment a chiropractor uses will depend on the type of injury suffered following a fender bender. The most common types of treatment for back and neck injuries include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Muscle stimulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Prescribing at-home exercises

Sometimes a chiropractor will also suggest implementing ergonomic changes to help treat certain types of pain and injuries. These types of changes might include using a different type of chair, avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time, and using a stepladder when reaching for things high up on a shelf.

Seeing a chiropractor like SpineCare Chiropractic Daniel S. Wright, D.C. after getting into a fender bender will help give you a peace of mind and will ensure any injuries sustained get treated in a timely manner.